Amphetamine Abuse Related Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Amphetamine abuse is a significant global health issue.
• Cardiotoxic effects of amphetamines, such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure, and arrhythmia, are documented but infrequent.
• Amphetamine-associated AMI is exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the association between amphetamine use and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
• To increase clinician awareness of this potentially severe complication of amphetamine abuse.
• To emphasize the importance of considering substance abuse in patients with atypical cardiac presentations.

Main Methods:

• Case report of two male patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of myocardial infarction.
• Review of clinical presentation, medical history, and diagnostic findings.
• Correlation of myocardial infarction with confirmed amphetamine use.

Main Results:

• Two cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were identified in patients with a history of amphetamine use.
• Patients presented with symptoms including chest pain, palpitations, and seizure.
• The findings underscore the potential for amphetamines to precipitate serious cardiac events.

Conclusions:

• Amphetamine-associated acute myocardial infarction (AMI), though rare, is a critical consideration in clinical practice.
• Clinicians should inquire about substance abuse history and consider urine drug screening in patients with low-to-intermediate coronary artery disease risk and atypical presentations.
• Increased awareness and prompt recognition are vital for managing this life-threatening condition.