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Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine-Induced Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report on Heart Failure in a Young Addict
Abdulkreem Al-Juhani1, Eman M Alyaseen2, Saeed Aseri3
1Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU.
Insights
Dextroamphetamine use, especially for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is increasingly linked to heart failure in young adults. This case highlights amphetamine-induced cardiomyopathy and the need for careful cardiac monitoring in at-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Dextroamphetamine-induced cardiomyopathy is an emerging cause of heart failure in adolescents and young adults.
- Increased use of amphetamines for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) elevates risk, particularly with misuse for cognitive enhancement.
- Awareness of the link between amphetamine-dextroamphetamine use and heart failure is crucial.
Abstract:
In teenagers and young adults, dextroamphetamine-induced cardiomyopathy is becoming a more common cause of heart failure. More patients are at risk of this cardiac manifestation due to the medication's increased use in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), particularly those who are unaware of the risks associated with using it improperly to improve concentration for poor performance. It becomes imperative to draw attention to the link between heart failure and amphetamine-dextroamphetamine usage to raise awareness of this illness. This case study revolves around a 32-year-old man with a complicated medical history who was recently diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF < 10%), which was linked to amphetamine-induced cardiomyopathy. His recent diagnosis of ADHD and the treatment that followed raise questions regarding the potential for drug-induced worsening of underlying cardiomyopathy. To address his cardiac and concomitant issues, the patient is currently on a complete pharmaceutical regimen that includes atorvastatin, aspirin, furosemide, spironolactone, enoxaparin, omeprazole, and carvedilol. To maximize results and stop additional cardiac deterioration, patients with dual diagnoses, especially those involving amphetamine use and preexisting cardiac conditions, need to be carefully monitored and managed by a multidisciplinary team.
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