Methamphetamine-Associated Cardiomyopathy: Addressing the Clinical Challenges.

Fiona Thoi; Daniel J Scherer; David M Kaye; Prashanthan Sanders; Michael B Stokes
Abstract
The growth in methamphetamine usage worldwide continues to present increasing societal and health care challenges. With the escalation of its usage in a variety of social demographics, the entity of methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MA-CMP) has emerged. This entity is increasingly responsible for an important proportion of heart failure burden in both admissions to hospital and in those individuals requiring chronic heart failure care. MA-CMP poses some unique challenges including its recognition, particularly in younger patients presenting with new-onset heart failure, its severity at presentation and complications as well as management options. The challenging nature of methamphetamine addiction and the necessity to achieve abstinence is a fundamental aspect of management of this condition. As methamphetamine use continues at high levels in Australia, the burden of MA-CMP will inevitably increase and, therefore, all clinicians responsible for heart failure management require an awareness of this disease entity and the specific clinical challenges of its care.
Journal HEART, LUNG & CIRCULATION
ISSN 1444-2892
Published 01 May 2022
Volume 31
Issue 5
Pages 616-622
DOI 10.1016/j.hlc.2021.12.015
Type Journal Article | Review
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