Methamphetamine and heart health

Methamphetamine, or ice as it is generally known, is the second most commonly used illegal drug in Australia after cannabis.¹

Around 6% of Australians over the age of 18 have used methamphetamine at some stage in their lives.²

Long-term effects of ice

There are many serious social, mental and physical problems associated with methamphetamine use and dependence.³

Long-term use can cause:

• extreme weight loss
• restless sleep
• dental problems
• regular colds or flu
• trouble concentrating
• breathlessness
• muscle stiffness
• anxiety, paranoia and violence
• psychosis.^{4, 5}

Methamphetamine and the heart 

What many people don’t realise is the significant impact methamphetamine can have on the heart and cardiovascular system,⁶ such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and high blood pressure.⁷

In fact, people who use methamphetamine may think their chest pain and rapid heartbeat are common effects of using the drug and not realise they are signs the heart is being placed under severe stress.⁸

With regular and continued use, high blood pressure can damage the heart and cause chronic hypertensive heart disease – the term given to heart problems caused by narrowing of the heart arteries.

When arteries are narrowed, less blood and oxygen are able to reach the heart muscle. This forces the heart to work harder,⁶ which can result in:

• irregular heartbeat
• chest pain (angina)
• enlarged heart muscle – which increases risk of heart attack
• heart failure
• aneurysm – a life-threatening tear or bulge in the artery wall.

Methamphetamine and heart disease in Australia

A recent Australian study of methamphetamine-related deaths found high levels of heart disease, high blood pressure, enlarged hearts, severe coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy – a condition that makes it hard for the heart to deliver blood to the body.⁴ Heart disease was a particular issue in older males.⁴

The study also highlighted high polydrug use, and other factors such as tobacco smoking which contributed to overall poor heart health.⁴

Irreversible effects

Many of the effects of methamphetamine use on heart health are irreversible.

Even if people stop using methamphetamine, the heart damage is already done. Blood vessel damage in the brain has been found among former dependent people years after they stopped taking the drug.⁸

If you are worried about your own (or a friend or family member’s) heart health, the best first step is to speak with your GP.