Cocaine and chest pain

The problem of cocaine abuse in young people is demanding more and more attention from both professionals and the public. As psychiatrists and mental health professionals see an increasing number of cocaine users, it is important that all aspects of this problem be understood. Knowledge about the psychological symptoms and sequelae have increased, but there seems to be less awareness of the physical consequences. This month's column draws attention to the potentially lethal symptom of chest pain that may occur in conjunction with cocaine use. Cases of sudden death from cardiac arrest have been reported as a result of cocaine use, but chest pain in young users is only beginning to be recognized as a symptom of cardiac damage. All professionals in the field should be sensitive to this danger.