Prevalence of heart disease in asymptomatic chronic cocaine users

To determine the prevalence of heart disease in outpatient young asymptomat ic chronic cocaine users, 35 cocaine users and 32 age-matched controls unde rwent resting and exercise electrocardiography (ECG) and Doppler echocardio graphy, Findings consistent with Coronary artery disease were detected in 1 2 (34%) patients and 3 (9%) controls (p = 0.01). Decreased left ventricular systolic function was demonstrated in 5 (14%) patients, but in none of the controls (p = 0.055). Finally, resting and peak exercise abnormal left ven tricular filling was detected in 38 and 35% of patients as compared to 19 a nd 9% of controls, respectively (p = 0.11 and 0.02, respectively). We concl ude that coronary artery or myocardial disease is common (38%) in young asy mptomatic chronic cocaine users. Therefore, screening ECG and echocardiogra phy may be warranted in these patients. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.