Drug Addiction’s Toll on Young Hearts

In August 2021, the Gauri Kaul Foundation conducted a free heart camp at IMHANS, Srinagar. This camp was organized in response to the alarming rise in substance abuse cases and the increasing number of sudden cardiac deaths among the youth in Kashmir. During the camp, we had a first-hand experience with young drug addicts who were undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the center.

Witnessing the condition of the youth in Kashmir was not only surprising but also deeply depressing. The observations made during the camp were varied and eye-opening. The patients came from both lower and higher income groups, highlighting that drug addiction does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status. The majority of the patients were between 15-30 years old, a critical age range where individuals are most vulnerable to peer pressure and curiosity. Many young individuals admitted that they initially started using drugs out of curiosity or due to peer pressure but later found themselves unable to quit due to the addictive nature of these substances.

One of the most distressing revelations was the severe impact of withdrawal symptoms, which made it incredibly difficult for many addicts to quit. This struggle extended beyond the individuals themselves, affecting their families profoundly. The financial burden on these families was massive, with some having to sell their gold and deplete their savings to cover the costs associated with addiction. The emotional toll was equally significant, as families watched their loved ones battle with addiction and its consequences.

From this camp, we realized that combating the menace of drug addiction requires multiple interventions. Medical treatment is just one aspect; there needs to be a holistic approach that includes psychological support and community awareness programs.

Educational campaigns are crucial to inform the youth about the dangers of drug use and to provide them with healthy alternatives to cope with peer pressure and curiosity.

The faculty at IMHANS Srinagar has been doing a commendable job in tackling the menace of drug addiction. However, given the overwhelming number of patients, more private organizations need to get involved in the rehabilitation process of drug addicts. Additionally, stringent laws should be enacted to combat drug trafficking effectively.

The camp primarily focused on screening the hearts of these individuals, as drug addiction in all its forms—oral, nasal, and intravenous—has extremely harmful effects on various body organs, including the heart. The screening process revealed that many young addicts were at risk of severe cardiac issues, highlighting the critical need for immediate and comprehensive medical intervention.

Drug addiction, when coupled with smoking, has profound effects on the heart and cardiovascular system. Here are some of the primary effects and complications:

1. Cardiomyopathy:

• Drug use, particularly with substances like cocaine and methamphetamine, can weaken the heart muscle, leading to cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart becomes enlarged, thick, or rigid and has difficulty pumping blood.

1. Arrhythmias:

• Drug abuse can lead to irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias. Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamines can cause life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

1. Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure:

• Many drugs, especially stimulants, increase heart rate and blood pressure, which over time can lead to chronic hypertension and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

1. Coronary Artery Disease:

• Substance abuse can accelerate the development of coronary artery disease by increasing the levels of harmful substances in the blood, which damage the arterial walls and lead to plaque buildup.

1. Heart Attacks:

• Drug use, particularly cocaine, can cause sudden heart attacks due to the sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure, constriction of the coronary arteries, and formation of blood clots.

1. Endocarditis:

• Intravenous drug use can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to infection of the heart valves (endocarditis), which can cause severe valve damage and heart failure.

1. Stroke:

• Drug abuse, particularly stimulants, increases the risk of stroke by causing blood vessel constriction, high blood pressure, and the formation of clots that can travel to the brain.

1. Atherosclerosis:

• Drug use contributes to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) by increasing cholesterol levels and causing inflammation of the blood vessels.

1. Hypertensive Crisis:

• Some drugs can cause an acute and severe increase in blood pressure, known as a hypertensive crisis, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular emergencies.

1. Heart Failure:

• Chronic drug use can weaken the heart muscle over time, leading to heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs.

1. Peripheral Artery Disease:

• Drug use can also affect the blood vessels outside the heart, leading to peripheral artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the limbs and can cause pain, numbness, and even lead to tissue death.

1. Blood Clots:

• Some substances increase the likelihood of blood clot formation, which can block blood vessels in the heart, leading to a heart attack, or in other parts of the body, leading to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Way Forward

Based on the findings from the camp at IMHANS, Srinagar and other heart health issues observed in seniors and children in far-flung areas, the Gauri Kaul Foundation has proposed a Heart Clinic on Wheels project to IOCL. This project is expected to launch in the next few months. The Heart Clinic on Wheels will be equipped with state-of-the-art cardiac diagnostic equipment, enabling us to reach remote and underserved areas to screen and diagnose various heart diseases. One critical component of the project, in collaboration with the health department, is the screening of drug addicts for debilitating and life-threatening cardiac issues in areas where cardiac screening facilities are not available.

BY Prof Upendra Kaul and  Dr Zubair Saleem