A study was conducted by the Department of Cardiology at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, to identify incidence and type of drug abuse, and study clinical and angiographic profile of very young population showing acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
All patients less than 30 years with ACS
were included and segregated into groups 1 and 2 (with and without drug abuse,
respectively).
In group
1, It was found that 35.29 % consumed opium, 17.64 % energy drinks, 17.64 %
whey protein supplements, 17.64 % inhaled marijuana, 5.88 % heroin and spasmoproxyvon
and 23.52 % multi-substance abusers. STEMI, single vessel disease and urban
domicile were predominant in them. The study concluded about the rising trends
of drug abuse, a potentially modifiable risk factor of ACS among the young,
which were found alarming. Strict regulations are needed to curb this menace.
What is ACS?
Acute
coronary syndrome is a term that describes a range of conditions related to
sudden reduced blood flow to the heart. These conditions include a heart attack
and unstable angina, a type of chest pain. When blood flow to the heart is
reduced, the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen. If heart tissue cells die
or are damaged, a heart attack happens. A heart attack also is known as a
myocardial infarction.
“Several recreational drugs, like cocaine,
amphetamines and methamphetamine are known to increase the risk of acute
coronary syndrome (ACS). These drugs can trigger coronary vasospasm, a type of
narrowing of blood vessels in the heart, and can also lead to prothrombotic
effect, increasing the risk of blood clots. Additionally, some studies have
investigated the link between cannabis and ACS, suggesting a potential
association,” said an expert from the Department of Cardiology at the DMCH.
The
symptoms of acute coronary syndrome usually start suddenly. They include chest
pain or discomfort, pain that starts in the chest and spreads to other parts of
the body, nausea or vomiting, pain or burning in the upper belly area,
shortness of breath, sudden, heavy sweating, racing heartbeat, feeling dizzy,
fainting and unusual fatigue.
Chest pain or discomfort is the most
common symptom of acute coronary syndrome. But symptoms may vary a lot,
depending on age, sex and other medical conditions. Women, older adults and
people with diabetes are more likely to have symptoms without chest pain or
discomfort.
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