$Unique_ID{BRK01559}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{You Can't Get a Heart Attack From Cocaine, Can You?}
$Subject{cocaine heart attack}
$Volume{Q-23, Q-3}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


You Can't Get a Heart Attack From Cocaine, Can You?


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QUESTION:  Every time I read a newspaper, there is another article in it with
scare tactics that is warning about another problem with sniffing cocaine.
Now I see one with a story about a heart attack from cocaine when I know that
is just not possible.  You can't you get a heart attack from cocaine, can you?

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ANSWER:  For some unknown reason, there is a widespread belief in this country
that death due to cocaine abuse is rare.  The truth is, it happens every day.
     Cocaine can cause a heart attack in several ways.  This is because it is
a powerful vasoconstrictor, which means it narrows the blood vessels and can
set up a coronary artery spasm as well as a rapid heartbeat, chest pain,
shortness of breath, and a rise in blood pressure.  It can also cause the
heart to skip beats, beat too slow, or stop beating all together.  Put all of
that together and you have all the makings of a killer heart attack!
     Most victims of cocaine-related heart attacks are young (mean age 34)
with no previous history of heart trouble.  Case examples include 19 and
20-year-olds who experienced sudden death from cocaine by both intranasal and
intravenous means.
     You can bet your life on this answer, for from your letter I think you
are already in trouble.  Wise up.  Cocaine CAN cause a fatal heart attack.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
