Cocaine-induced bradyarrhythmia: an unsuspected cause of syncope

Chest. 2000 Jan;117(1):275-7. doi: 10.1378/chest.117.1.275.

Abstract

Cocaine use is associated with adverse events in nearly every organ system. Cardiovascular complications include hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, aortic dissection, cardiomyopathy, accelerated coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. Syncope may be the presenting symptom in these conditions. However, cocaine-induced bradyarrhythmias have been scarcely mentioned. As this case exemplifies, clinicians should be aware of this association when they evaluate syncope, especially in young patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bradycardia / chemically induced*
  • Bradycardia / complications
  • Cocaine / poisoning*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / complications
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / poisoning*
  • Electrocardiography / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Syncope / etiology*

Substances

  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
  • Cocaine