The Effect of Illicit Drugs on Arterial Stiffness in Young and Middle-Aged Illicit Drug Users: A Population-Based Study in China

Abstract

Many illicit drugs have been linked to cardiovascular diseases, but large epidemiological studies are still needed to unveil the full effect of their use on the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between illicit drug use and the prevalence of abnormal arterial stiffness in young and middle-aged illicit drug users. In total, 1247 illicit drug users and 107 non-illicit drug users were recruited for the Cardiovascular Damage Study, and 731 illicit drug users and 55 nonillicit drug users completed the cross-sectional analysis. Data was collected using questionnaires and a noninvasive vascular screening device. The value of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) varied in a statistically significant manner depending on the type and duration of illicit drug use. The prevalence of abnormal baPWV varied significantly among different illicit drug user groups (χ 2 = 10.69, p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, sex, and the type of illicit drug used were crucial risk factors for abnormal baPWV. Older male narcotic drug users were associated with a significantly higher prevalence of abnormal baPWV. The main risk factors of arterial stiffness in young and middle-aged drug users were age, sex, and the type of illicit drug used.