Cocaine and Cardiovascular Events

In brief: The recent deaths of two prominent athletes indicated cocaine's ability to precipitate serious cardiovascular events. This case report and brief literature review provide further evidence of the drug's potential cardiovascular effects. The authors report the case of a 21-year-old man who suffered a myocardial infarction (Ml) after using cocaine and amphetamines. Coronary spasm resulting from the drug abuse was the probable mechanism. Since 1982, at least 14 other persons have suffered MI after cocaine use. Because of the widespread abuse of cocaine, it should be considered a possible factor when cardiovascular events occur in otherwise healthy persons.