Chest pain and cocaine use in 18 to 40 year-old persons: a retrospective study

This study examined the incidence of chest pain and cocaine use in 18 to 40 year olds who were seen in a public inner city emergency department. The medical records of a convenience sample of 386 subjects were reviewed during a 6 month period. Results revealed a significant differences in physiological, diagnostic, and patient history data associated with chest pain and cocaine use. These data that highlight the clinical features of cocaine users can be used as a profile for the management of cocaine-related cardiovascular problems.