Substance Use Worsens Myocardial Infarction Outcomes

Adults that use substances generally suffer the worst possible outcomes of a myocardial infarction (MI), according to a recent study.

Researchers from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston — led by Ersilia M. DeFilippis, MD, internal medicine resident — reported the debilitating effects of cocaine and marijuana use on patients who suffer type 1 MI at the age of 50 years or younger in a retrospective analysis. Their results were initially reported at the 67th American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session.

The team researched the records of 2097 patients treated for type 1 MI at one of 2 academic hospitals from 2000-2016. They determined substance abuse through either patient-reported abuse in the week prior to the MI, or detection on toxicology screening. Vital status was identified by the Social Security Administration’s Death Masterfile, and patient cause of death was determined through electronic medical records and death certificates.

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