You may already be very aware of the risk drugs have on your appearance, body, and health. Did you know that drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine are particularly harmful to the heart? If you use these drugs, be sure to know all about them and the complications they cause. Here are several facts you may find interesting.
Dangerous Drugs for Your Heart
Stimulant drugs are like drinking gallons and gallons of caffeine. For anyone who has had coffee or soda with caffeine, they know how it speeds up and revs their system. It is great to feel on high alert but there is a price. It is very bad to stimulate your heart this way and using stimulants can critically damage the heart. Here are some drugs to watch out for:
Cocaine
Cocaine causes several of thousands of deaths each year, mostly a result of heart damage. There are a variety of cardiovascular complications that are related to cocaine use, such as: chest pain syndromes, heart attacks, heart failure, aortic dissection, and fatal and non-fatal arrhythmia.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is often referred to as a "club drug." This drug is a stimulant that was created illegally for the specific use of abuse. When taken excessively, ecstasy has been linked to causing heart attacks.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are also stimulants. These drugs can cause a rapid spike in blood pressure, which can result in heart failure, stroke, and high risk fevers.
Steroids
Often used to build muscle and to enhance athletic performances, steroids are illegal and can also affect the heart causing: enlargement of the heart, heart failure, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and heart attacks.
Alcohol
Unlike the other drugs, alcohol is a depressant and not a stimulant but it can also be hard on the heart. For people 21 and older, alcohol is legal however, we encourage you to consume it wisely. If you already suffer from a heart condition, alcohol can increasingly damage the heart muscle.
Make Disciplined Decisions
It's important to make disciplined decisions when using drugs. Long term consequences are hard to imagine in the rush of the moment. However, understanding how these drugs, especially stimulants jump start your heart may help you make wiser choices.
If you feel you are in danger of developing a drug problem, then you may find getting a drug education is essential. It's never too late to seek help or treatment.
