Cocaine use linked to sudden death

There is no such thing as 'safe' recreational use of cocaine researchers have warned, as a new study suggests even small amounts of the drug may be a factor in sudden death.

In a study of sudden deaths in south-west Spain, scientists found that over 3% were linked to cocaine use.

The results of the study, published in the European Heart Journal, are relevant to the estimated 12 million cocaine users in Europe, including the UK.

"As the estimated number of European young adults cocaine consumers is similar in Spain, UK and Italy, there is no reason to consider that the cocaine-related sudden death in UK and Italy would be different to what we have found in our research in south-west Spain," said Dr Joaquin Lucena from the Institute of Legal Medicine in Seveille, who led the research.

The Spanish pathologists investigated the circumstances behind 668 sudden deaths which occurred during 2003 - 2006. Detailed post mortems and toxicology tests were carried out.

Researchers found that 21 sudden deaths were related to cocaine use, and all occurred in men aged between 21 and 45. Most of the cocaine related deaths were due to heart related problems.

They also found that 81% of the men who died after cocaine use also smoked, and 76% had drunk alcohol.

Ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, enhances the "high" obtained from cocaine while minimising the subsequent "low".

But as both smoking and alcohol are also linked to heart disease, use of all three could prove to be fatal, Dr Lucena said: "The combination of cocaine with either or both of these habits can be considered as a lethal cocktail that promotes the development of premature heart disease."

In an editorial in the journal, Professor David Hills and Professor Richard Lange University of Texas Health Science Centre said cocaine use figures were likely to be under-estimates.

"Physicians should consider the possibility of cocaine abuse in a young individual with cardiovascular disease or sudden death, especially in those without traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis.

"Finally, the notion that recreational cocaine use is 'safe' should be dispelled, since even small amounts may have catastrophic consequences, including sudden death."

Fotini Rozakeas, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said of the research: "This study shows again why we need to dispel the myth that cocaine is a ‘safe party drug’.

"The reality is that there are risks every time you use it. Cocaine can have devastating effects on the user, including heart attacks, life-threatening heart rhythms, strokes and even sudden death.

"The potential deadly consequences from cocaine use can happen to anyone who takes it even in previously young healthy people with no history of heart disease.

"The risk of heart disease amongst cocaine users is compounded by other commonly associated lifestyle habits including smoking and drinking excess alcohol; and the combination of all three can be a lethal cocktail."

This article was published on Wed 13 January 2010