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Swallowed Chrystal Meth. Having Severe Heart Burn. Is This The Onset Of A Heart Attack?

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Posted on Sat, 23 Mar 2013
Question: I took by swallowing chrystal meth (ice) on weekend for the first time as a recreational drug. I have since realised that the amount taken was far in excess of what would be usual.
I have been feeling ill for the past couple of days, but the worst sympton is what seems to be severe heartburn right in the middle of my chest (at the sternum?). I get some relief if i push in there but I can't eat without pain.
I was more concerned that this was angina and the onset of a heart attack.
Is this sympton known in these cases?
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (24 minutes later)
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Meth is known to have significant adverse effects on the gastro-intestinal system. It can cause stomach ittitation, hyperacidity, ulceration and in some cases even gastro-intestinal bleeding. So, it is quite likely that you are suffering from an acute gastritis to to the meth ingestion. The heartburn and the mild relief which you are getting by applying pressure in that area are more indicative of this possibility.

However, I would also like to let you know that meth, being a potent vasoconstrictor (i.e. causing spasm of the blood vessels) is also known to cause angina - due to constriction of the blood vessels supplying the heart. There are reported cases of heart attacks and cardiac arrest due to meth overdose.

So, though I would say that your symptoms are more indicative of a gastritis, still, I would suggest that you see a doctor for a medical evaluation, in order to rule out any serious problems.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 2190 Questions

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Swallowed Chrystal Meth. Having Severe Heart Burn. Is This The Onset Of A Heart Attack?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Meth is known to have significant adverse effects on the gastro-intestinal system. It can cause stomach ittitation, hyperacidity, ulceration and in some cases even gastro-intestinal bleeding. So, it is quite likely that you are suffering from an acute gastritis to to the meth ingestion. The heartburn and the mild relief which you are getting by applying pressure in that area are more indicative of this possibility.

However, I would also like to let you know that meth, being a potent vasoconstrictor (i.e. causing spasm of the blood vessels) is also known to cause angina - due to constriction of the blood vessels supplying the heart. There are reported cases of heart attacks and cardiac arrest due to meth overdose.

So, though I would say that your symptoms are more indicative of a gastritis, still, I would suggest that you see a doctor for a medical evaluation, in order to rule out any serious problems.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist