Question

You are on-scene with a patient who you suspect may be experiencing a myocardial infarction. He is conscious and alert, anxious, and has dilated pupils. He complains of substernal chest pain and admits to recent cocaine use. How does the use of cocaine increase the risk of experiencing an acute myocardial infarction?

A. It speeds the heart rate to the point of asystole

B. It causes the blood in the periphery to clot and travel to the coronary arteries

C. It actually numbs the heart, making coronary perfusion difficult

D. It causes coronary artery constriction and increases the chance of dislodging a thrombus or plaque

Answer 1

Cocaine increases the risk of an MI by causing coronary artery constriction, which can lead to the blockage of blood flow in the heart and contribute to arrhythmias and an increased cardiac workload.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of cocaine increases the risk of experiencing an acute myocardial infarction because it causes coronary artery constriction which can increase blood pressure and the heart's demand for oxygen. This vasoconstriction can reduce blood flow through the coronary arteries, potentially leading to an environment conducive to the dislodging of a thrombus or plaque, which can cause a blockage. Furthermore, cocaine can induce arrhythmias and increase the heart's workload, contributing to the development of an MI.

It is well known that cocaine use is associated with several cardiovascular problems, including increased risk of heart attack, cardiac arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death. Cocaine's vasoconstrictive effects contribute significantly to these risks, making its use particularly dangerous for individuals with underlying heart conditions such as atherosclerosis.