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Resolved Response Time -3 Hours -45 Minutes Hi, Yes I
Question: Resolved Response time -3 hours -45 minutes Hi, yes I have a question about a previous medical problem I had and have been having. About 10 months ago I took too much cocaine and pretty sure I overdosed. It took me a good 4-5 hours before eventually going to the hospital. I thought I was having a heart attack. I took 4 aspirins before going and felt better. But I still had terrible chest pain for 14-15 hours. I also vomited blood. When I went to the hospital they said I was fine. They did and ECG, bloodwork and a chest x ray. All normal. I then stupidly went back to using a month later and had a scary arrhythmia. After that I quit. But since then I have been having left chest pain daily and my heart beat doesnt sound normal. The pain is worse when I exercise or have hot showers. I've been back to ER 3 times and told them about the drug overdose and asking if it could be related and they said they would have found it the day I came in. All my ekgs and blood work are always normal but I cant shake the fact that I did something to my heart with continued drug abuse. I've been sober now for 4-5 months. Just wondering if it could be something else or if theres a way I can heal my heart. I also get pain in my fingers and toes, and have extremely visible stomach pulsations. The chest pain is usually brief and is accompanied by left shoulder / upper arm pain. I also get these weird tension headaches like someone pushing on the side of my head really hard. can happen on either side.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on - Ask a Doctor - service!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that cocaine can lead to acute and chronic changes in the heart.
If a heart attack or myocardial ischemia had occurred, your doctors would have noticed it in the ER, with the tests that they have performed.
Anyway, you should also know that cocaine can lead to chronic changes in the heart due to its toxicity. In this regard, a cardiac MRI would give more information and completely put your mind to peace.
Regarding your other symptoms (pain in the fingers and toes, stomach pulsations, tension headaches), they seem to be related to a panic disorder, probably triggered by cocaine intake and withdrawal.
Anyway, before coming to this conclusion, I would recommend checking thyroid hormone levels and blood electrolytes.
If these tests result normal, you should consider anxiety as the main cause underlying your complaints. In such case, consulting with a psychotherapist or psychiatrist would be needed.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on - Ask a Doctor - service!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that cocaine can lead to acute and chronic changes in the heart.
If a heart attack or myocardial ischemia had occurred, your doctors would have noticed it in the ER, with the tests that they have performed.
Anyway, you should also know that cocaine can lead to chronic changes in the heart due to its toxicity. In this regard, a cardiac MRI would give more information and completely put your mind to peace.
Regarding your other symptoms (pain in the fingers and toes, stomach pulsations, tension headaches), they seem to be related to a panic disorder, probably triggered by cocaine intake and withdrawal.
Anyway, before coming to this conclusion, I would recommend checking thyroid hormone levels and blood electrolytes.
If these tests result normal, you should consider anxiety as the main cause underlying your complaints. In such case, consulting with a psychotherapist or psychiatrist would be needed.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on - Ask a Doctor - service!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that cocaine can lead to acute and chronic changes in the heart.
If a heart attack or myocardial ischemia had occurred, your doctors would have noticed it in the ER, with the tests that they have performed.
Anyway, you should also know that cocaine can lead to chronic changes in the heart due to its toxicity. In this regard, a cardiac MRI would give more information and completely put your mind to peace.
Regarding your other symptoms (pain in the fingers and toes, stomach pulsations, tension headaches), they seem to be related to a panic disorder, probably triggered by cocaine intake and withdrawal.
Anyway, before coming to this conclusion, I would recommend checking thyroid hormone levels and blood electrolytes.
If these tests result normal, you should consider anxiety as the main cause underlying your complaints. In such case, consulting with a psychotherapist or psychiatrist would be needed.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on - Ask a Doctor - service!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that cocaine can lead to acute and chronic changes in the heart.
If a heart attack or myocardial ischemia had occurred, your doctors would have noticed it in the ER, with the tests that they have performed.
Anyway, you should also know that cocaine can lead to chronic changes in the heart due to its toxicity. In this regard, a cardiac MRI would give more information and completely put your mind to peace.
Regarding your other symptoms (pain in the fingers and toes, stomach pulsations, tension headaches), they seem to be related to a panic disorder, probably triggered by cocaine intake and withdrawal.
Anyway, before coming to this conclusion, I would recommend checking thyroid hormone levels and blood electrolytes.
If these tests result normal, you should consider anxiety as the main cause underlying your complaints. In such case, consulting with a psychotherapist or psychiatrist would be needed.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Those programmed cardiac tests would help for a better understanding of your clinical symtptomatology. They could help to confirm your cardiac structure and function and exclude important cardiac ischemic issues.
If any suspicions are raised, a cardiac MRI would be helpful for investigating potential myocardial changes.
Anyway, you should relax as the worst has past now; you have stopped taking cocaine and nothing could happen again.
You should discuss with your attending physician on the above mentioned issues.
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Those programmed cardiac tests would help for a better understanding of your clinical symtptomatology. They could help to confirm your cardiac structure and function and exclude important cardiac ischemic issues.
If any suspicions are raised, a cardiac MRI would be helpful for investigating potential myocardial changes.
Anyway, you should relax as the worst has past now; you have stopped taking cocaine and nothing could happen again.
You should discuss with your attending physician on the above mentioned issues.
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Those programmed cardiac tests would help for a better understanding of your clinical symtptomatology. They could help to confirm your cardiac structure and function and exclude important cardiac ischemic issues.
If any suspicions are raised, a cardiac MRI would be helpful for investigating potential myocardial changes.
Anyway, you should relax as the worst has past now; you have stopped taking cocaine and nothing could happen again.
You should discuss with your attending physician on the above mentioned issues.
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Those programmed cardiac tests would help for a better understanding of your clinical symtptomatology. They could help to confirm your cardiac structure and function and exclude important cardiac ischemic issues.
If any suspicions are raised, a cardiac MRI would be helpful for investigating potential myocardial changes.
Anyway, you should relax as the worst has past now; you have stopped taking cocaine and nothing could happen again.
You should discuss with your attending physician on the above mentioned issues.
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for the response. I have an echocardiogram and stress test coming up. Would those help rule out any heart problems? I've had thyroid and electrolytes tested. Both normal.
Thanks for the response. I have an echocardiogram and stress test coming up. Would those help rule out any heart problems? I've had thyroid and electrolytes tested. Both normal.
Okay thanks doctor. I’m trying to stay calm and relaxed I’m just mad at myself for letting it get to this. I’ve talked to many doctors and they say my hearts fine since I’ve already had multiple basic tests done but I just don’t get why I’m getting chest and left arm pain. One doctor said it could be a pinched nerve?? Anyways if these upcoming tests don’t show anything abnormal then I should be ok ?
Okay thanks doctor. I’m trying to stay calm and relaxed I’m just mad at myself for letting it get to this. I’ve talked to many doctors and they say my hearts fine since I’ve already had multiple basic tests done but I just don’t get why I’m getting chest and left arm pain. One doctor said it could be a pinched nerve?? Anyways if these upcoming tests don’t show anything abnormal then I should be ok ?
That’s my last question
That’s my last question
Brief Answer:
I would explain:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sure, if normal it would definitely exclude any important cardiac issue.
In such case other tests, like a neck X ray study and MRI would be necessary to exclude a pinched nerve.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sure, if normal it would definitely exclude any important cardiac issue.
In such case other tests, like a neck X ray study and MRI would be necessary to exclude a pinched nerve.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
I would explain:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sure, if normal it would definitely exclude any important cardiac issue.
In such case other tests, like a neck X ray study and MRI would be necessary to exclude a pinched nerve.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sure, if normal it would definitely exclude any important cardiac issue.
In such case other tests, like a neck X ray study and MRI would be necessary to exclude a pinched nerve.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for letting me know! I know I'm super young but would CAD or Artherosclerosis be shown on a TTE and stress test ?
Thanks for letting me know! I know I'm super young but would CAD or Artherosclerosis be shown on a TTE and stress test ?
Or an aneurysm?
Or an aneurysm?
Brief Answer:
I would explain:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would explain that the recommended cardiac tests would clearly rule out/in the presence of cardiac ischemia (due to atherosclerosis) and also investigate for any structural cardiac and proximal aorta disorder (including aneurysm).
In case suspicions are raised further tests could be helpful as are previously mentioned.
Greetings!
I would explain:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would explain that the recommended cardiac tests would clearly rule out/in the presence of cardiac ischemia (due to atherosclerosis) and also investigate for any structural cardiac and proximal aorta disorder (including aneurysm).
In case suspicions are raised further tests could be helpful as are previously mentioned.
Greetings!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
I would explain:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would explain that the recommended cardiac tests would clearly rule out/in the presence of cardiac ischemia (due to atherosclerosis) and also investigate for any structural cardiac and proximal aorta disorder (including aneurysm).
In case suspicions are raised further tests could be helpful as are previously mentioned.
Greetings!
I would explain:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I would explain that the recommended cardiac tests would clearly rule out/in the presence of cardiac ischemia (due to atherosclerosis) and also investigate for any structural cardiac and proximal aorta disorder (including aneurysm).
In case suspicions are raised further tests could be helpful as are previously mentioned.
Greetings!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Okay thanks
Okay thanks
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome!
Wishing you good health!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome!
Wishing you good health!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome!
Wishing you good health!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome!
Wishing you good health!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Doc Is there anything I can do to help get better sleeps. My heart seems to beat super hard when trying to sleep. It kind of flip flops around and then beats really fast making it really hard to fall asleep. Is there anything I can do for that ?
Hi Doc Is there anything I can do to help get better sleeps. My heart seems to beat super hard when trying to sleep. It kind of flip flops around and then beats really fast making it really hard to fall asleep. Is there anything I can do for that ?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Regarding your concern, I would recommend taking some herbal supplements before sleep (containing valeriana and passiflora).
If this does not help, I would recommend trying melatonin 5-10mg before sleep. It will help regulate your biological sleep-wake cycle.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Regarding your concern, I would recommend taking some herbal supplements before sleep (containing valeriana and passiflora).
If this does not help, I would recommend trying melatonin 5-10mg before sleep. It will help regulate your biological sleep-wake cycle.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Regarding your concern, I would recommend taking some herbal supplements before sleep (containing valeriana and passiflora).
If this does not help, I would recommend trying melatonin 5-10mg before sleep. It will help regulate your biological sleep-wake cycle.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Regarding your concern, I would recommend taking some herbal supplements before sleep (containing valeriana and passiflora).
If this does not help, I would recommend trying melatonin 5-10mg before sleep. It will help regulate your biological sleep-wake cycle.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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