Methamphetamine-associated cardiovascular conditions in general practice: Screening, management and harm reduction

Methamphetamine use is a prevalent but under-recognised cause of acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions. Deaths from methamphetamine-associated cardiovascular conditions (MACCs) increased seven-fold between 2009 and 2020 in Australia, and MACCs were the leading cause of natural death among people who use methamphetamine. Prognoses for the primary MACCs are optimistic with abstinence and medical management early in disease progression, underscoring the utility of screening; however, screening is underutilised because of unfamiliarity, stigma and lack of guidelines.

This article provides expert and evidence- based recommendations to guide screening, management and harm reduction relevant to MACCs.

Screening for and managing cardiovascular conditions are central concerns for any clinician treating a patient who uses methamphetamine, and a high suspicion of cardiovascular disease is warranted. There should be a low threshold for screening patients with a history of past or present methamphetamine use.