Summary: 

Psychostimulant use is a major public health issue, with an estimated 14 million cocaine users globally, and 15-16 million methamphetamine users. These drugs are associated with a range of serious harm, including premature death, toxicity, dependence, blood born viruses, and drug-induced psychosis. Two of the most serious sequelae, however, are cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications, both of which occur regardless of route of administration. The study aimed to:

1. Determine the prevalence, and nature, of risk factors and cardiovascular disease symptoms amongst regular psychostimulant users; and

2. Determine the predictors of cardiovascular symptoms amongst regular psychostimulant users.

Download this resource:

• NDARC Technical Report No. 303 (2009) - Cardiovascular disease risk factors and symptoms among regular psychostimulant users