Acute myocardial infarction with left main thromboses in a young amphetamine addict

Abstract

Amphetamines are common in drug abuse, particularly in the young population. These sympathomimetic amines work by activating the sympathetic nervous system. As a result, the heart rate increases and the oxygen supply decreases, causing the oxygen demand of the heart to increase. However, the most common cardiovascular effects are tachycardia and hypertension. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is reported rarely after the use of amphetamines, especially in young patients [1]. We report a case of a healthy, young man who presented to our emergency department after oral consumption of amphetamines. In this case, amphetamine abuse caused myocardial ischaemia due to blood clot formation.