title: Cocaine-induced myocardial ischemia and infarction: pathophysiology, recognition, and management.
abstract: As cocaine abuse has become widespread, it has been associated with various cardiovascular complications, including angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. Cocaine's principal effects on the cardiovascular system are mediated via alpha-adrenergic stimulation and include (1) an increase in the determinants of myocardial oxygen demand (heart rate and systemic arterial pressure), and (2) a concomitant decrease in myocardial oxygen supply (caused by vasoconstriction of the epicardial coronary arteries). beta-adrenergic blocking agents may exacerbate cocaine-induced coronary arterial vasoconstriction, thereby increasing the magnitude of myocardial ischemia. In contrast, nitroglycerin and verapamil reverse cocaine-induced hypertension and coronary arterial vasoconstriction; therefore, they are the agents of choice in treating patients with cocaine-associated chest pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Division), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9047, USA.
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Pitts
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Lange
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Cigarroa
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Hillis
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003042:Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000187:drug effects; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D003042:Cocaine