Impacts of Acute vs Chronic Cocaine Use on Heart

1571 Words4 Pages

Question 1: What effect does acute vs. chronic cocaine use have on heart disease? Cocaine is an addictive drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It is a strong stimulant mostly used as a recreational drug. Cocaine is commonly snorted, inhaled, or injected into the veins. It is one of the most widespread drugs in the United States. It is readily absorbed through the body’s mucous membranes. The onset of the action depends on the route of administration, which can take between three seconds to five minutes. Peak effects also depend on the route of administration which can take between one to twenty minutes or five to ninety minutes. Cocaine has a half-life of thirty to sixty minutes. Approximately 25-30 million Americans use cocaine …show more content…

It allows surgeons to view problems within the body without making large incisions. An endoscope is inserted through a small cut, or opening. An endoscope is a flexible tube with a camera attached to it to allow the surgeon to see internal organs. Scissors or tongs can be added to the endoscope to operate or remove tissue. Endoscopy has a lower risk of bleeding and infection than open surgery. It can come with rare complications such as: fever, damage to internal organs, and chest pain. The risks depend on the location of the procedure and the overall condition of the patient. Endoscopies fall into categories based on where they are located on the body (5). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, UGI, is a procedure that allows surgeons to look at the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The tip of the endoscope is inserted through the mouth and moved down the throat into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. An UGI may be performed to find: inflammation of the esophagus, ulcers, cancer, hiatal hernia, or a narrowing of the esophagus. It may be done in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital …show more content…

Dentist believe the use of epinephrine is contraindicated in cardiovascular patients because it raises the blood pressure and heart rate. Studies show that the amount of epinephrine in dental cartridges is relatively low, therefore the use of one to three cartridges of lidocaine and epinephrine is safe, though it slightly raises blood pressure and heart rate. The slight rise in heart rate and blood pressure is not clinically or medically important. The wrong volume or concentration of anesthetic solution may produce systemic complications. A study given at Khorasgen Dental School determined that injection of lidocaine without epinephrine caused a reduction of blood pressure and heart rate due to the vasodilative effect of lidocaine. An increase in blood pressure and heart rate after injection of lidocaine with epinephrine was a result as well. Researchers have proved that an increase in cardiovascular parameters after injection of local anesthetics can be due to epinephrine

More about Impacts of Acute vs Chronic Cocaine Use on Heart

Open Document