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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
Computer-based Multitaper Spectrogram Program for Electroencephalographic Data
Published on: November 13, 2019
Signal-averaged electrocardiogram in physically healthy, chronic 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) users
Praveen Kanneganti1, Marilyn A Huestis, Erin A Kolbrich
1Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
This study found no significant association between chronic 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) use and abnormal signal-averaged electrocardiography (SA-ECG) parameters, which are markers for ventricular late potentials (VLP). MDMA users did not show increased risk for cardiac arrhythmias based on these markers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychopharmacology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) use is linked to cardiac arrhythmias.
- Ventricular late potentials (VLP) are precursors to malignant ventricular arrhythmias.
- Signal-averaged electrocardiography (SA-ECG) detects VLPs, unlike standard ECG.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SA-ECG parameters in MDMA users.
- To assess if MDMA use is associated with VLP markers.
- To compare SA-ECG findings in MDMA users, cannabis users, and controls.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated SA-ECG parameters (fQRS, LAS40, RMS40) in 21 MDMA/cannabis users, 18 cannabis users, and 54 controls.
- Analyzed duration of filtered QRS complex (fQRS).
- Assessed low amplitude potentials (LAS40) and root mean square voltage (RMS40) during terminal QRS.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in fQRS, LAS40, or RMS40 values were found between MDMA users, cannabis users, and controls.
- The proportion of subjects with abnormal SA-ECG parameters did not differ significantly across groups.
- Gender differences in SA-ECG parameters were observed in controls but not in MDMA users.
Conclusions:
- Chronic MDMA use does not appear to be quantitatively or qualitatively associated with a high prevalence of abnormal SA-ECG parameters.
- Findings suggest MDMA use may not significantly increase the risk for VLP markers.
- Further research may explore other cardiac effects of MDMA.
