Stroke in young adults who abuse amphetamines or cocaine
This study by US investigators was conducted to test the hypothesis that young adults who abuse stimulant drugs including amphetamines and cocaine are at a higher risk of stroke. They analyzed the Texas state database of hospital discharge information that occurred during the years 2000 - 2003 for the age range of 18 - 44 years. They identified discharges with a primary diagnosis of stroke and a secondary diagnosis of drug abuse where the drug was specified. Data analysis included logistic regression modeling.
Rates of drug abuse among discharge diagnoses increased most markedly over the years of the study for amphetamines. Increases were also noted for cocaine, cannabis, and opioids. There were not increases in rates for alcohol or hallucinogens. Amphetamine abuse was strongly associated with hemorrhagic stroke, but not ischemic stroke. The strength of this association was more than twice as strong as that of cocaine or alcohol abuse. Cocaine was associated with both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.
The authors concluded: “Increases in stimulant drug abuse may increase the rate of hospital admissions for strokes and stroke-related mortality.”
Stimulant abuse is associated with stroke in young adults, especially true for amphetamines.
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007;64:495-502. April 2007. © 2007 American Heart Association, Inc.
Stroke in Young Adults Who Abuse Amphetamines or Cocaine A Population-Based Study of Hospitalized Patients, Arthur N. Westover, MD; Susan McBride, RN, PhD; Robert W. Haley, MD
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