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Transient left ventricular apical ballooning after a cocaine binge
Matthew A Daka1, Raffay S Khan, Eric J Deppert
1St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, University Hospital of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1111 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10025, USA. mattmdmd@gmail.com
The Journal of Invasive Cardiology
|January 9, 2008
Summary
Left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome can mimic heart attacks. A rare case involved a post-menopausal woman experiencing this after a cocaine binge, highlighting a potential trigger.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome (LVABS), also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a condition characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction.
- It is often triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, leading to symptoms that can mimic acute myocardial infarction.
Observation:
- This report details a rare case of LVABS in a post-menopausal woman.
- The patient presented with symptoms mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
Findings:
- The primary predisposing factor identified in this case was an all-night cocaine binge.
- This suggests a potential link between stimulant drug use and the development of LVABS.
Implications:
- The findings broaden the understanding of potential triggers for LVABS beyond typical emotional stressors.
- This case underscores the importance of considering substance abuse, particularly cocaine, in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute cardiac syndromes.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the mechanisms by which cocaine can induce apical ballooning.
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