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Does Cocaine Increase The Risk For Stroke?

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Posted on Mon, 1 Jun 2015
Question: how likely is it to have a stroke while using any form of cocaine?

wanted to gauge my risk, not sure if you need other facts about be
im 6'1" about 193 lbs

What are some could preventative tests I could take regarding stroke and heart attack?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Cocaine increases risk for stroke.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Cocaine study has been suggested by many studies to be linked with an increased risk for stroke, more often hemorrhagic stroke but ischemic as well. That is related due to its effects on increasing blood pressure, constricting blood vessels as well as predisposing for heart abnormal rhythm.
It is difficult to give exact numbers in statistical percentages, as for that large studies comparing populations with and without cocaine use haven't been made (and I think it would be difficult to enrol many cocaine users in such large studies), but an association of cocaine with stroke is clear.

As to what you could do, well there quitting cocaine, but I guess that's the obvious answer and I'm not the first one to suggest that to you. Other measures would involve regular monitoring for other possible stroke risk factors and address those like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high blood cholesterol, obesity, sedentary lifestyle etc. Judging from your height and weight your body mass index is 25.5, which puts you in the (slightly) overweight category.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Does Cocaine Increase The Risk For Stroke?

Brief Answer: Cocaine increases risk for stroke. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Cocaine study has been suggested by many studies to be linked with an increased risk for stroke, more often hemorrhagic stroke but ischemic as well. That is related due to its effects on increasing blood pressure, constricting blood vessels as well as predisposing for heart abnormal rhythm. It is difficult to give exact numbers in statistical percentages, as for that large studies comparing populations with and without cocaine use haven't been made (and I think it would be difficult to enrol many cocaine users in such large studies), but an association of cocaine with stroke is clear. As to what you could do, well there quitting cocaine, but I guess that's the obvious answer and I'm not the first one to suggest that to you. Other measures would involve regular monitoring for other possible stroke risk factors and address those like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high blood cholesterol, obesity, sedentary lifestyle etc. Judging from your height and weight your body mass index is 25.5, which puts you in the (slightly) overweight category. I remain at your disposal for further questions.