The Cardiac Complications of Methamphetamines

Abstract

Methamphetamines are increasingly popular drugs of abuse in Australia, and are rising in purity. The rising popularity and purity of methamphetamines has notably increased demands upon Australian medical services. Methamphetamines are sympathomimetic amines with a range of adverse effects upon multiple organ systems. Cardiovascular complications are the second leading cause of death in methamphetamine abusers, and there appears to be a high prevalence of cardiac pathology. Cardiovascular pathology frequently seen in methamphetamine abusers includes hypertension, aortic dissection, acute coronary syndromes, pulmonary arterial hypertension and methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy. The rising prevalence of methamphetamine abuse is likely to increase the burden of cardiovascular pathology in Australians. A National Parliamentary Enquiry was opened in March 2015 to address concerns regarding the medical and social impacts of methamphetamine abuse. From April 2015, a National 'Ice Taskforce' was also created in parallel. Reversal of cardiac pathology appears to be achievable with abstinence from methamphetamines and initiation of appropriate treatment. It is key to appreciate that the pathogenesis of methamphetamine-induced cardiac complications arises as a result of the specific toxic effects of methamphetamines. Clinical management is hence individualised; suggested management approaches for methamphetamine-induced cardiac complications are detailed within this article.

Cardiovascular Complications of Acute Amphetamine Abuse: Cross-sectional study

“…34 According to a review of methamphetamine-induced cardiac complications by Paratz et al, dilated, hypertrophic and stress cardiomyopathies are the most common methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathies. 35 Additionally, intranasal administration of d-amphetamine reportedly lead to a more rapid response compared with oral administration. 5 This study is subject to certain limitations.…”

Effects of drug abuse, smoking and alcohol on donor hearts and lungs

“…3. Methamphetamine (crystal meth): as for cocaine and amphetamines above, there are reports of cardiomyopathy [73], hypertension, aortic dissection, acute coronary syndromes, pulmonary arterial hypertension and methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy [74] and in rat models cardiac pathology [75]. Recommendations as for Cocaine and Ecstasy above.…”

Gaps in the ice: Methamphetamine in Australia; its history, treatment, and ramifications for users and their families

“…Research has demonstrated that use of methamphetamine can lead to complications with multiple organs and cardiac function (Paratz et al . ), can have a significant impact on cognitive functions (Yu et al . ), and can even lead to changes which seem somewhat similar to those observed in Parkinson's disease (Todd et al .…”