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What Causes Chest Discomfort In A Cocaine Addict?

Posted on Wed, 11 Oct 2017

Question: Hi. I've been using cocaine for a while now without any problems. Of late my body is far less tolerant and can only use small amounts. More worrying is after use, same day and days later I get a strange feeling in chest. It's not painful more uncomfortable. It's not there in morning but does come on mid morning and lessens later in evening. It also goes away with exercise. I have had an ecg, echocardiagram and a chest x ray. All are clear. I am monitoring blood pressure as slightly elevated.
My doctor isn't aware of the cocaine use. I am slowly stopping but wanted a second opinion re chest discomfort. Is it definitely heart related?

Best, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Early stage of possible complications

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir,
I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns.

Since all tests came back normal then probably the chest discomfort you are experiencing is due to irritation of the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract together with vasoconstriction of the blood supply of the heart and lung. This is an early stage that might develop into major complications such as lung collapse or angina on continued use ..

I hope I answered your question .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (1 hour later)

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Please send any other clarifications

Detailed Answer:
please if you have any other clarifications then let me know..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (29 minutes later)

Would the echocardiagram not pick up issues with blood supply? Also why would the discomfort get better with exercise?

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Transient vasoconstriction

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, the echocardiogram will not be able to detect transient vasoconstriction of blood vessels .. echocardiogram detects permenant narrowing of blood vessels .. The fact that excersice improves this sensation is because of the vasodilator effect of excersice on the blood vessel.. I hope you find this helpful..

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana