1(800) 615-1067Cocaine use can cause heart disease through a number of mechanisms. When a person uses cocaine, it increases heart rate, blood pressure, and causes narrowing of the blood vessels, which can all put a strain on the heart. Over time, this strain can cause damage to the heart and blood vessels, leading to heart disease.
Cocaine use can also cause atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. This can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Cocaine use can also cause irregular heart rhythms, including ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening condition where the heart beats irregularly and can’t pump blood effectively. Additionally, cocaine use can cause the heart muscle to become thicker and less flexible, a condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure.