Manifestations cardiovasculaires des substances récréatives : alcool, cocaïne, amphétamines, ecstasy, héroïne et cannabis

Over the past years, the trend of recreational drugs abuse is on an epidemic increase worldwide but also in our own country. Among these conditions, alcohol has a specific position because a moderate intake has been proven to be beneficial on the cardiovascular system. In contrast, cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy have major deleterious side-effects (i.e.: tachycardia and vasoconstriction) as a consequence of a stimulation of the sympathetic system; these effects are depending on the amount of drug ingested but also on the existence of associated underlying pathophysiological conditions. Conversely, heroin increases the parasympathetic tone with possible bradycardia and hypotension. Finally, the cardiovascular side-effects of cannabis are not only dose-dependent but also related to the degree of addiction. All these symptoms should be kept in mind even when the context of recreational drugs abuse is not obvious.