Elsevier

The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Volume 10, Issue 2, March–April 1992, Pages 169-177
The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Cocaine-induced myocardial infarction: An analysis and review of the literature

https://doi.org/10.1016/0736-4679(92)90212-CGet rights and content

Abstract

The objectives of this paper are to analyze the case reports of cocaine-induced myocardial infarction and to better define the clinical characteristics of this syndrome. An English language literature search was carried out using MEDLINE, and a bibliographic review of all identified articles and book chapters was conducted. Ninety-one cases of cocaine-induced myocardial infarction were identified. Intranasal, intravenous, and inhalational routes of abuse all resulted in myocardial infarction. Forty-four percent of patients had previously noted chest pain. Eighty-seven percent of patients were cigarette smokers. Two-thirds of patients had their myocardial infarction within 3 hours of the use of cocaine (with a range of 1 minute to 4 days). Cardiac catheterizations were abnormal in 30 of 54 patients (55%). Of the 24 patients with reported follow-up, 14 (58%) had further ischemic events after discharge. In conclusion, cocaine-induced myocardial infarction identifies a group of young individuals who may be prone to recurrent complications after initial presentation.

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