David Rofofsky | November 14, 2024

Does Meth Cause High Blood Pressure?

Meth abuse can inflict numerous negative on the user but does meth cause high blood pressure involves one of the lesser known side effects. Results from a recent study in the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed the impact of methamphetamine use on heart health, indicating that men, people with kidney disease, and those with high blood pressure are particularly vulnerable to negative health consequences. The study also showed that meth users faced a 32% overall increased risk for cardiovascular disease, which is similar to the risks of cocaine and alcohol abuse.

“Alcohol and cocaine are established risk factors for cardiovascular disease. What was striking to me was that methamphetamine use is just as risky for the heart,” said Dr. Nisha Parikh, lead study author and an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of California San Francisco.

 

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What Drugs Increase Heart Rate the Most?

Many drugs can increase heart rate and blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. However, cocaine, heroin, and various forms of amphetamine, like meth, affect the central nervous system, which impacts the heart rate.

Cocaine

Research indicates that cocaine users may experience a range of serious health issues. Cocaine use can cause a sharp increase in heart rate and elevate the heart muscle’s oxygen demands. Users may also suffer from damage to cardiac tissue and heart infections. Collectively, these problems can significantly increase the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, or aneurysms.

Heroin

Heroin, similar to other illegal substances, can negatively impact the cardiovascular system, resulting in issues like irregular heart rhythms and heart attacks. Moreover, injecting heroin can cause complications such as collapsed veins and bacterial infections. Prolonged use of heroin can harm the cardiovascular system, which may lead to heart dysfunction and a variety of associated health issues.

Meth

Methamphetamines can lead to the constriction and spasm of blood vessels, resulting in dangerous increases in blood pressure and altering the heart’s electrical system, along with other potentially life-threatening cardiac issues. The use of meth produces a high blood pressure that impacts both the heart and the pulmonary arteries. This condition can contribute to irregular heart rhythms and alterations in the structure of the heart muscle.

How Does Meth Increase Blood Pressure?

Prolonged meth use and how long meth stays in your system has been associated with several cardiovascular issues, one of which is cardiomyopathy. This condition affects the heart muscle, reducing its efficiency in pumping blood throughout the body, which can lead to higher blood pressure. Meth use can also cause pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the veins leading from the heart to the lungs. A study in the AHA journal revealed that methamphetamine-related hospitalizations for heart failure—when the heart fails to pump effectively—skyrocketed by 585% over a ten-year period in California.

 

Does Mixing Weed and Meth Cause High Blood Pressure?

Any type of prolonged meth use will lead to high blood pressure, so mixing weed and meth can cause high blood pressure. Moreover, long-term use of marijuana, particularly through smoking, has been linked to significant cardiovascular risks, such as a higher chance of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Users should always exercise caution when mixing drugs together as the damaging effects of each can be severely enhanced.

Can Meth Cause High Blood Pressure Even After I Quit?

How long the effects of meth can last will vary for each user, but most highs last for about up to 12 hours. However, the impact on the person’s body can linger for months, depending on the severity of the addiction and dosage amount. After meth detox in Los Angeles removes meth from the user’s body, the effects of meth can linger for months, which is continued addiction treatment is necessary. Eventually, a person’s body will return to normal functions after prolonged sobriety. The long-term risk of meth use involves inflammation of the heart lining, which will need years to repair.

Does Meth Cause High Blood Pressure? Find Out More by Contacting Muse Treatment

An overdose of meth can be deadly, which makes finding proper addiction treatment extremely vital. Muse Treatment is a trusted meth detox center in Los Angeles that can help patients learn about the dangers of drug use, like does meth cause high blood pressure. We also offer patients help to tackle both the mental and physical challenges of meth addiction. Our programs include detox, counseling, behavioral therapy, and support groups designed to help patients identify the root causes of their addiction and develop effective coping strategies for lasting recovery. Reach out to us at 800-426-1818 today to discover how our compassionate and professional meth detox and treatment services in Los Angeles can help you or a loved one overcome meth addiction today.

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David Rofofsky
David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.


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