Regular cocaine use is associated with increased systolic blood pressure, aortic stiffness and left ventricular mass in young otherwise healthy individuals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The cardiovascular impact of cocaine use in otherwise healthy individuals who consider themselves 'social' users is not well established.

Methods/results

Twenty regular cocaine users and 20 control subjects were recruited by word-of-mouth. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed to assess cardiac and vascular structure and function. Cocaine users had higher systolic blood pressure compared to non-users (134±11 vs 126±11 mmHg, p = 0.036), a finding independent of age, body surface area, smoking and alcohol consumption. Cocaine use was associated with increased arterial stiffness - reflected by reduced aortic compliance (1.3±0.2 vs 1.7±0.5 cm2×10-2.mmHg-1, p = 0.004), decreased distensibility (3.8±0.9 vs 5.1±1.4 mmHg-1.10-3, p = 0.001), increased stiffness i

SUBMITTER: Kozor R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3981670 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature