Synthetic cannabinoids and ST elevation myocardial infarction.
Ali Haider Jafry1, Austin LaGrow1, Khawaja Hassan Akhtar1
1Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|May 11, 2022
Summary
Synthetic cannabinoid use can lead to severe heart attacks (ST elevation myocardial infarction or STEMI) in young adults. Prompt coronary angiography is crucial for survival in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Synthetic cannabinoids are frequently abused due to their undetectability on standard drug screens.
- Coronary artery thrombosis is a serious cardiovascular event with significant morbidity and mortality.
Observation:
- A young, previously healthy male presented with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and concurrent COVID-19 infection.
- The STEMI was attributed to acute thrombotic occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, managed with thrombectomy and stenting.
Findings:
- A literature review identified 34 additional cases of STEMI associated with synthetic cannabinoid use.
- The majority of affected individuals were young males (mean age 29), with frequent left anterior descending artery involvement (55%).
- Coronary angiography and stent placement were common interventions, indicating severe coronary artery disease.
Implications:
- ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a potentially lethal complication of synthetic cannabinoid abuse.
- Early diagnosis and intervention, including prompt coronary angiography, are vital for improving outcomes in affected patients.
- This highlights the critical need for awareness among clinicians regarding the cardiovascular risks of synthetic cannabinoid consumption.
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