Oxidative Stress and Cocaine Intoxication as Start Points in the Pathology of Cocaine-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Psychomotor stimulants are the most commonly used prohibited substances after cannabis. Globally, their use reaches epidemiological proportions and is one of the most common causes of death in many countries. The use of illicit drugs has negative effects on the cardiovascular system and is one of the causes of serious cardiovascular pathologies, ranging from abnormal heart rhythms to heart attacks and sudden cardiac death. The reactive oxygen species generation, toxic metabolites formation, and oxidative stress play a significant role in cocaine-induced cardiotoxicity. The aim of the present review is to assess acute and chronic cocaine toxicity by focusing on the published literature regarding oxidative stress levels. Hypothetically, this study can serve as a basis for developing a rapid and effective method for determining oxidative stress levels by monitoring changes in the redox status of patients with cocaine intoxication.

Automated summary

Illicit drug use, particularly psychomotor stimulants, has negative effects on the cardiovascular system and can lead to serious cardiovascular pathologies such as abnormal heart rhythms and heart attacks. Studies on oxidative stress levels in patients with cocaine intoxication may lead to the development of a rapid and effective method for assessing toxicity.