Some people who use cocaine experience chest pain during or after use, particularly if a large quantity of cocaine has been consumed – but how long does cocaine chest pain last for?

From a few hours to a day or two after cocaine use, the time that chest pain lasts varies after cocaine use. Find out more here.

 

Does Cocaine Cause Chest Pain?

Cocaine can cause chest pain, which is a concerning symptom for those who use or abuse cocaine. Cocaine chest pain may occur due to various reasons associated with the drug’s effects on the cardiovascular system and how long cocaine stays in the system for.

Cocaine can lead to the constriction of the coronary arteries which diminishes the blood flow to the heart muscle which results in chest pain known as angina.

Another cause of chest pain is the prolonged constriction of these arteries, which can induce myocardial ischemia, where the heart muscle receives insufficient oxygen-rich blood, leading to chest pain that may be more severe and prolonged. In severe cases, this ischemia can progress to a heart attack.

Cocaine use may also cause other cardiovascular complications such as aortic dissection or arrhythmias, which can result in symptoms of chest pain or discomfort.

Any chest pain associated with cocaine use should be checked and seek immediate medical attention as it could signify a potentially life-threatening condition.

 

How Long Chest Pain After Cocaine Use Lasts

The duration of chest pain after cocaine use can vary depending on several factors, such as an individual’s overall health, the amount of cocaine consumed, and whether there are any underlying cardiovascular conditions present.

In some cases, chest pain may be brief and resolve itself relatively quickly after the effects of cocaine wear off. Cocaine chest pain can last for as few as 2-5 minutes, but this can vary massively from person to person.

If chest pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea, it may indicate a more serious cardiovascular issue, such as myocardial ischemia or a heart attack.

Some people experience severe chest pain after cocaine use which can last for hours – this indicates a problem and should be treated by a professional.

If you are experiencing chest pain after cocaine use, you should speak to a doctor to rule out any potentially life-threatening conditions and receive appropriate treatment, especially if you are regularly abusing cocaine.

 

What Effects Does Cocaine Have on Your Heart?

Cocaine can have significant effects on the heart, both short-term and long-term. Here are some of the primary effects of cocaine use on your heart:

Increased Heart Rate

Cocaine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the heart rate to rise significantly. This can lead to tachycardia, where the heart beats faster than normal.

Elevated Blood Pressure

Cocaine constricts blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure which can be dangerous, especially for individuals with pre-existing hypertension or cardiovascular conditions.

Irregular Heart Rhythm

Cocaine use can disrupt the normal electrical signals in the heart, leading to arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms). These can range from palpitations to potentially life-threatening conditions like ventricular fibrillation.

Increased Risk of Heart Attack

Cocaine use can cause the coronary arteries (the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle) to constrict, reducing blood flow to the heart. This can result in myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle), which may lead to a heart attack.

Cardiomyopathy

Prolonged cocaine use can lead to cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and less efficient at pumping blood which can eventually lead to heart failure.

Aortic Dissection

Cocaine can increase the risk of aortic dissection, a life-threatening condition where there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the largest artery in the body.

Increased Risk of Stroke

Cocaine use can lead to the formation of blood clots, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Additionally, cocaine can cause blood vessels in the brain to rupture, leading to a haemorrhagic stroke.

 

Dangers of Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine abuse poses significant dangers to both physical and mental health. Some of the key risks associated with cocaine abuse include:

Cardiovascular Effects: As mentioned above, cocaine can cause elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythms, which may lead to heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular complications. It can also cause chest pain.

Respiratory Issues: Cocaine use can constrict blood vessels in the lungs and lead to respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing, chronic cough, or even respiratory failure.

Psychological Effects: Cocaine abuse can lead to mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, or paranoia and may also exacerbate underlying mental health conditions or precipitate psychosis. Memory loss and other neurological problems can also be caused by heavy cocaine use.

Cocaine Addiction: Cocaine is highly addictive, and repeated use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and cocaine addiction. Over time, individuals may require increasing amounts of the drug to achieve the desired effects, leading to a vicious cycle of escalating use.

Overdose: Cocaine overdose can occur, especially when large amounts of the drug are consumed or when it is used in combination with other substances. Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, rapid heart rate, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

 

Help Available for Cocaine Abuse

If you are regularly experiencing chest pain after cocaine use or feel you cannot stop consuming coke, get in touch with our team today.

At Ocean Recovery, we offer a leading cocaine addiction treatment at our private rehab. To recover from cocaine abuse, you will receive a cocaine withdrawal alongside therapy treatments to overcome the psychological addiction.

You will then receive one year of free aftercare once you have successfully completed a treatment programme to help you continue your recovery after treatment has been completed.

Get in touch by phoning us on 0800 880 7596 or fill out our contact form to start your recovery journey today.

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: April 19, 2024

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.