Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Associated With Cocaine Use.
Ishan Choksey1, Thor S Stead2, Rohan K Mangal3
1Biology, Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park, USA.
Cureus
|January 25, 2023
Summary
A young man experienced acute chest pain and was diagnosed with myocardial infarction. Cocaine use was identified as the cause, highlighting the cardiac risks associated with stimulant drugs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Acute chest pain is a common emergency department presentation.
- Myocardial infarction (MI) in young adults warrants thorough investigation into potential underlying causes.
- Cocaine use is a known, albeit often underreported, risk factor for cardiovascular events.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old male presented with acute chest pain.
- Diagnostic workup confirmed non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
- The patient initially withheld, but later admitted to recent cocaine use.
Findings:
- The temporal profile of troponin levels, indicative of myocardial injury, was documented.
- The case illustrates a direct correlation between cocaine consumption and acute coronary syndrome.
- Pathophysiological mechanisms linking cocaine to chest pain and infarction were discussed.
Implications:
- Early recognition and inquiry into substance use are crucial in young patients with MI.
- Understanding cocaine's cardiovascular effects is vital for effective patient management and prevention strategies.
- This case underscores the importance of considering illicit drug use in the differential diagnosis of acute chest pain.
Keywords:
acute myocardial infarctioncardiac troponinchest pain in the youngcocaine-induced coronary diseasenon-st segment elevation myocardial infarction (nstemi)More Related Videos
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