Effects of illegal drugs on the heart

Illegal drug abuse and addiction are very serious problems that can affect people of all ages. It ranges from adults to infants born to mothers who regularly use drugs. Illegal drugs are drugs sold, often for recreational purposes. These are dangerous, with most of them causing heart problems. This includes difficulties with the heart. The type of heart complications that a person may suffer from dependency on the drugs as well as other factors. These may include a worsening of current heart conditions. This causes a change in heart rate, which is faster or slower, or even leads to death. Keep reading to know the effects of drugs on the heart. 

What are the illegal drugs causing an effect on the heart?

Here are what recreational drugs cause cardiac arrhythmia: 

Opium

Opium is an addictive narcotic with a long history. It is derived from the opium poppy. This was referred to as the ‘joy plant’ by the Sumerians as far back as 3400 B.C. Like heroin, it is an opiate. However, it is an opiate in its crudest form. It comes from the sap of the opium poppy seed. This is a milky fluid. Exposure to air changes the opium to dark brown, black, or hard. 

At this point, it may be smoked. On the contrary, you can take it orally. It is similar to heroin in that the user feels relief from pain and may experience a relaxed feeling. These effects last for 3–4 hours. When you use opium excessively for an extended period of time, it can lead to a tolerance for the drug. The side effects may include impairment of coordination, weight loss, heightened anxiety, and damage to the lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver.

During an overdose, circulatory collapse, coma, convulsions, and death may occur due to respiratory failure. The use of an opium drug may affect one’s heart by reducing their heart rate. In the case of overdose, the opposite is true and can lead to cardiac failure.

Read More: What is the difference between a Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack?

Heroin

This opium-based drug is related to morphine; however, it is two to four times stronger. In its various forms, you can inject the drug intravenously, either snorted or smoked. The short-term effects of heroin include euphoria and a relaxed state of mind. These attract certain people to use them. The short-term effects include dry mouth, a slowing of cardiac function and respiratory rate, and a decreased mental state. This frequently takes you between conscious and unconscious states, leading to muscle weakness, skin infections, and scarring.

The long-term effects of drugs on the heart include collapsed veins, decreased liver function, a high risk of kidney disease, and an increased risk of blood-borne pathogens and infections, including hepatitis B, C, and HIV. This drug affects the immune system of the body, making it more vulnerable to diseases, including pneumonia and tuberculosis. Chronic heroin often develops pulmonary edema and empyema.

The cardiovascular effects include bacterial infections of the blood vessel linings and valves of the heart. The addicted users often experience vomiting, diarrhea, and pain in the muscles and bones. This occurs when attempting to detox, leading to relapse when not properly treated. The risk of overdose and death is high. The death rates have increased due to the surge in the popularity of the drug across the United States.

Cocaine:

Cocaine is an appetite suppressant and a stimulant drug that comes from the coca plant. Cocaine is taken by injection into the bloodstream while being snorted through the nose. It is processed and turns into a crystallized rock. This is known as crack, from which it is heated and then smoked. It is beneficial for the several effects that it produces. This causes euphoria, supremacy, increased energy, and alertness. These effects tend to wear off, leading to restlessness, anxiety, and paranoia. 

Higher body temperature, an elevated pulse rate, and shortness of breath. Long-term usage of cocaine can lead to addiction, but also dehydration and a dry mouth. This results in damage to the teeth. Medical conditions such as kidney failure, severe bowel decay, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, stroke, and malnourishment have a high chance of contracting blood-borne diseases that come with prolonged use of cocaine.

The cardiovascular risks are many and involve thicker heart muscle walls and stiffer arteries. In some cases, it can cause an irregular heart rhythm. This is a problem known as arrhythmia. Cocaine is damaging to the heart as it carries the risk of sporadic drug overdose heart attack in the small vessels of the heart. It also interferes with cardiac drugs, including beta-blockers, which are essential in treating heart attacks.

Methamphetamine:

Methamphetamine is a form of stimulant that is related to medications that doctors use to treat problems, including obesity and attention deficit disorder. Meth is used by swallowing, injecting, or smoking. Recreation usage leads to increased sexual desire and euphoria and uplifts your mood. 

The harmful side effects are not limited to hyperactivity and twitchiness, diarrhea or constipation, and rapid heart rates. In addition to the risk of addiction, long-term damage includes damage caused to teeth due to dry mouth, and increased chance of contracting Parkinson’s disease and brain damage. Methamphetamine usage causes failure in the heart and damage to heart muscles and blood vessels. This elevates the risk of heart failure.

Read More: What Are The H’s and T’s of ACLS?

Conclusion

The effects of drugs on the heart are harmful Use ACLS interventions to reduce the dampening effects on the heart. Seek ACLS online course certification to learn administration techniques and improve safety.