HomeAnswersCardiologyendocarditisI am experiencing heart rhythm issues despite stopping MDMA and cocaine. Should I be concerned?

Can heart rhythm issues occur even after the discontinuation of MDMA and cocaine?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Amit Kumar

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At June 21, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 3, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am seeking guidance regarding symptoms related to my heart. I am a 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 to its type, and I experience occasional slight pains or aches. I thought that I have 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 awaiting for my next appointment. I am seeking advice on how to better understand my condition while awaiting for further medical attention. Kindly help. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Amit Kumar

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.

The Probable causes

The probable cause is Infection secondary to IV drug abuse.

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis is Endocarditis, Thromboembolism, SVT, and Valvular heart disease.

Probable diagnosis

The probable diagnosis is Valvular heart disease with SVT.

Preventive measures

A preventive measure is to stop drug abuse.

Regarding follow up

Follow up with above mentioned investigations

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Amit Kumar
Dr. Amit Kumar

Cardiology

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