Can heart rhythm issues persist after stopping MDMA and cocaine?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am seeking guidance regarding symptoms related to my heart. I am an 18-year-old male who has used MDMA approximately 20 to 30 times and cocaine on a few occasions, which has resulted in damage to my heart. I have ceased all drug use and am currently undergoing medical investigation while waiting for appointments. I have been experiencing rhythm issues after exercise or strain on my heart. Every other beat feels like a hard pounding beat, which is slightly out of rhythm. Recently, after an MDMA experience, I had a stabbing pain in the center of my chest, slightly left, which was accompanied by tightness and abnormal heaviness.

These symptoms appear to correlate with a pulmonary embolism, but I cannot confirm this. The symptoms subsided after approximately ten minutes. Additionally, I have a heart murmur, which has not been specified as its type, and I experience occasional slight pains or aches. I thought that I had supraventricular tachycardia, and drug use on top of this condition may have caused further damage. However, it has not been formally diagnosed, as I am still waiting for my next appointment. I am seeking advice on how to better understand my condition while awaiting further medical attention. Kindly help. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We are here to help you. Before proceeding further, I would like to ask you a few questions. Firstly, have you ever used IV drugs or cocaine? Have you experienced any fever recently? It is essential to note that IV drug users are at higher risk of developing bacterial endocarditis and valve damage. Cardiac arrhythmias, such as SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia), are commonly associated with drug abuse. A pathological murmur could also suggest valve damage.

Additionally, drug abusers are more susceptible to thrombosis (blood clots) and pulmonary thromboembolism. Considering your symptoms, I would advise you to undergo the following tests and provide me with the reports for further assessment: D-dimer and CT ( Computed Tomography scan) contrast chest to rule out pulmonary thromboembolism. I also recommend getting an ECHO (echocardiogram) heart to evaluate any infective endocarditis, vegetation over the valve, or valvular damage. Please contact me back with the test results, and we can take the next steps accordingly. Thank you.