Impact of Heroin on the Cardiovascular System: An Examination
Heroin, an illegal opioid derived from morphine, is a substance that has long been associated with a range of negative health effects. In 2020, around 902,000 Americans aged 12 and above used heroin in the past 12 months [1].
Long-term heroin use exerts multiple detrimental effects on heart health. Direct damage, infections, and strain caused by opioid-induced physiological changes and injection practices are the main culprits.
One of the most significant risks associated with heroin use is the development of infectious endocarditis, commonly known as "heroin heart". This severe and life-threatening infection of the heart valves and inner lining of the heart is more common among opioid users [2]. Practices such as sharing or reusing old needles or using unclean paraphernalia can increase a person's risk of infection when injecting heroin.
Heroin use can also lead to collapsed veins and blood clots, which reduce blood flow and strain the cardiovascular system. These complications can potentially cause heart rhythm disturbances and elevated heart rate, increasing the risk of arrhythmias [3].
In addition, chronic heroin use slows heart function and breathing, which can cause long-term cardiovascular strain. The toxic effects of heroin on the muscles of the heart can also cause heart attacks [4].
The condition of infectious endocarditis has seen a dramatic rise due to drug injections, particularly opioids such as heroin. This condition, if left untreated, can lead to serious cardiovascular problems, including damage to heart valves and infections of the heart lining [5].
Moreover, the use of heroin can indirectly harm the heart by reducing oxygen supply due to respiratory depression. Overall physical deterioration weakens cardiovascular health.
It's important to note that some people may mix heroin with additives such as sugar, starch, powdered milk, rat poison, or other drugs such as cocaine. These substances do not dissolve in the bloodstream and can clog the blood vessels, causing an infection.
Combining opioids such as heroin with other substances, especially sedatives such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, may increase a person's risk of life-threatening overdose and cardiac arrest.
Vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, can occur with opioid use, potentially causing low blood pressure or sudden drops in low blood pressure. A major side effect of opioid use is its effect on the heart's natural pacemaker or its electrical activity, which can cause problems with the rhythm or rate of heartbeat, increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmia, electrical disturbances, bradycardia, heart block, and atrial fibrillation.
Regular heroin use can lead to major health and lifestyle problems, including collapsed veins, skin abscesses, risk of infection or blood poisoning, chronic constipation, higher risk of lung problems, fertility problems, blood vessel damage, poor nutrition, lower immunity, loss of relationships, career and home, and risk of overdose.
For those struggling with substance use disorders, help is available. Individuals or family members can search for local treatment centers using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's treatment finder tool.
In conclusion, long-term heroin use poses a significant threat to heart health. It's crucial to raise awareness about the risks associated with heroin use and to provide support for those struggling with substance use disorders.
References:
[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2020-nsduh-annual-national-results-detailed-tables
[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Heroin. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Heroin. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/heroin.html
[4] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2019). Opioids and Heart Health. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/opioids-and-heart-health
[5] American Heart Association. (2018). Heroin Abuse and the Heart. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/03/01/heroin-abuse-and-the-heart
- The use of heroin, an illegal opioid, poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health by causing a range of detrimental effects over the long term.
- Direct damage, infections, and strains caused by opioid-induced physiological changes and injection practices are the main culprits leading to cardiovascular health issues in heroin users.
- In addition to these immediate effects, chronic heroin use can lead to slowed heart function and breathing, increased risk of arrhythmias, and poor nutrition, all of which can strain the cardiovascular system.
- Heroin use can also indirectly harm the heart by causing respiratory depression, reducing oxygen supply, and contributing to overall physical deterioration in users, further straining their cardiovascular health.
