The article talks about how the opioid crisis is causing many deaths every year. It says that some opioid drugs, like methadone and loperamide, can affect the heart in a dangerous way. These drugs can cause problems with the heart’s electrical system, which can lead to life-threatening heart rhythms.
The article also discusses a plant called kratom, which some people use to try to stop using opioids. Kratom contains chemicals that can also affect the heart and cause problems with heart rhythms. The article suggests that more research is needed to fully understand how kratom affects the heart and whether it is safe to use.
This study analyzed data from national databases on reported cases of heart problems and sudden death associated with the use of different opioids, including over-the-counter and recreational drugs like kratom and loperamide. It was not a lab-based study.
Key takeaways:
- Opioids, including over-the-counter and recreational drugs, can have dangerous effects on the heart and can cause life-threatening heart rhythms.
- Methadone and loperamide are known to cause problems with the heart’s electrical system, leading to arrhythmias.
- Kratom, a plant used by some to try to stop using opioids, may also have the potential to cause dangerous heart rhythms, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
- Monitoring the heart health of people using opioids, including over-the-counter and recreational drugs, is important to prevent sudden cardiac death.
For further reading:
Link: https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.04.024
Full Citation:
Krantz, M. J., Rudo, T. J., Haigney, M. C., Mehler, P. S., Cummins, K. M., & McGroary, K. A. (2023). Ventricular Arrhythmias Associated With Over-the-Counter and Recreational Opioids. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 81(23), 2258-2268
