Cocaine abuse: an expanding healthcare problem for the 1990s

Cocaine, the most addictive recreational drug available, has increased in popularity and widespread use in the past decade. Crack, a new form of cocaine that is smoked, is purer and more rapidly absorbed into the vascular system, greatly increasing the risk of overdose. Cocaine produces many physiologic effects on the body systems. This case report focuses on two cardiovascular responses related to cocaine use: cardiomyopathy and coronary vasospasm. Cocaine abusers may present with complaints of chest pain or other nonspecific symptoms that require diligent assessment skills to be recognized as cocaine-related. Therefore, it is essential that nurses be knowledgeable about the effects of cocaine and the symptoms of cocaine abuse.