The Effects of Cocaine Use Disorder on Your Heart

Cocaine is a common drug of choice, often found in recreational settings. Unfortunately, cocaine can be highly addictive and lead to severe health complications from prolonged use. One of the major areas of the body that can be affected by cocaine addiction is the heart — and some of these consequences can be fatal. This fact underscores the importance of finding effective drug addiction programs in Torrance, CA.

Cocaine is a stimulant and can have a lasting — sometimes fatal — impact on the heart. It raises the heart rate, which can lead to various issues, including high blood pressure, even though it often makes the user feel more alert and euphoric. Unfortunately, the longer cocaine use disorder goes unaddressed, the higher your chances are for long-term effects.

If you’re considering addiction treatment for cocaine abuse, knowing the negative impact of this drug on the body can motivate you to receive the care necessary to achieve a lasting and healthy recovery. This article explores the effects of cocaine use disorder on the heart and why drug rehab is essential to preserving your health.

Chest Pain

Due to the impact of cocaine on the heart, chest pain is a common issue experienced by many patients. This is due to cocaine’s stimulating effects, which put the heart under stress and cause everything from abnormal heart rhythms to changes in the body’s oxygen demands. This symptom is more concerning for the issues it may represent than the discomfort it creates.

If you experience chronic chest pain following prolonged cocaine abuse, it may signal potential artery spasms, heart attacks, heart infections, and other life-threatening health problems. Receiving professional drug addiction treatment can prevent these long-term effects before they form.

High Blood Pressure

When using cocaine, blood pressure typically increases only during use. However, habitual cocaine use can lead to prolonged high blood pressure, which leads to increased chances of heart attacks and other health problems. While this risk is most prevalent in those struggling with cocaine addictions, it is still present in those who only occasionally use cocaine. Even if you’re young and healthy, you’re still at risk for permanent high blood pressure and its negative consequences.

Heart Arrhythmias

There have been many studies that show an increased risk of heart arrhythmias, or irregular heart rates, in those who frequently use cocaine. A likely cause of this issue is the change in the sodium and potassium ion channels that affect the heart’s electrical system. This is concerning since heart arrhythmias can lead to strokes, organ damage, gangrene, and, in the worst cases, cardiac arrest. The longer you use cocaine, the higher your risks are.

Damage to the Heart Structure

There have also been cases where cocaine use seems to damage the structure of the heart, leading to further complications and a risk of heart failure. In some instances, those struggling with cocaine use disorder were found to have increased stiffness in the aorta — the largest artery that is responsible for transporting blood throughout the body — and enlarged left ventricles.

Congestive Heart Failure

If you have a long history of cocaine abuse, you may develop a condition known as congestive heart failure. This condition reduces the heart’s efficiency, reducing its ability to pump blood throughout the body, which can lead to other issues, including heart failure. It can lead to irregular heart rates and a weakening of different parts of the body. This chronic medical condition is particularly prevalent in those with long-term cocaine use disorder.

Coronary Artery Disease

Another serious medical condition caused by extensive cocaine abuse is coronary artery disease (CAD). It’s a narrowing of the blood vessels due to plaque growth, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and death. Coronary artery spasms are a similar condition caused by cocaine use disorder, which damages the heart by limiting blood flow.

Researchers have found links between this condition and long-term cocaine use, further highlighting the importance of drug addiction treatment in Torrance, CA. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances are of avoiding this life-threatening condition.

Find Reliable Treatment at Twin Town Treatment Center

If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine use disorder, Twin Town Treatment Centers has the resources and strategies to help. Our exceptional staff treats each Torrance, CA, patient with personalized care. We’ve designed our addiction treatment facilities for optimal comfort so you can focus on addressing the physical and mental causes of cocaine abuse, contributing to lasting recovery. We can assist with other drug addictions as well, including alcohol addiction and meth use disorder. Call Twin Town Treatment Centers today at 866-594-8844 or contact us online to schedule an initial assessment.