 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 13: Dr. Sushil Sharma, Head of the Cardiology Department at GMCH Jammu, addressed the pressing issue of increasing illicit drug use and its impact on cardiovascular health during a day-long cardiac awareness and health check-up camp held at the Shri Hanuman Temple area of Digiana, Jammu. The camp aimed to educate people about the cardiovascular diseases stemming from substance abuse and provide insights into leading a heart-healthy lifestyle for current and future generations.
In his interactions, Dr. Sushil Sharma emphasized that cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) have seen a significant rise globally, attributed in part to unhealthy lifestyles, dietary habits, and substance use disorders (SUDs), including alcohol, tobacco smoking, e-cigarettes, stimulants, marijuana, steroids, and opioids. SUDs have become a substantial healthcare and social concern, with limited understanding of how different substances impact cardiovascular health. However, studies indicate a multi-faceted pathogenesis. Stimulants contribute to increased myocardial oxygen demand, marked vasospasm, abnormal platelet aggregation, arterial hypertension, thrombosis, and accelerated atherosclerosis.
Dr. Sharma pointed out that the past decade has seen an upsurge in the consumption of marijuana and methamphetamine, leading to higher mortality and morbidity among users of these substances. While there's been a slight reduction in cocaine use among young patients, complications arising from SUDs remain preventable and reversible. Of all illicit drugs, amphetamines and cannabis were found to pose the greatest risk of early-onset ASCVD. Opioid abuse, encompassing prescription pain medications and heroin, is associated with cardiovascular disease, including arrhythmias, stroke, and endocarditis-a dangerous bacterial heart infection heightened among opioid injectors. Multiple episodes of endocarditis elevate heart attack and stroke risks.
Dr. Sharma emphasized the negative cardiovascular effects of most illegal drugs, spanning abnormal heart rate to heart attacks. Intravenous drug use amplifies cardiovascular problems such as collapsed veins and bacterial infections in blood vessels and heart valves. Cocaine, heroin, and various forms of amphetamine affect the central nervous system, altering consciousness. In addition to addiction, these drugs yield side effects like body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure changes, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, impaired judgment, heightened risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, and the potential of added harmful substances triggering toxic reactions. |
