Cocaine Use and White Matter Hyperintensities in Homeless and Unstably Housed Women

Multiple substance use and blood pressure in women experiencing homelessness

Background

Substance use increases risk of cardiovascular events, particularly among women with additional risk factors like housing instability. While multiple substance use is common among unstably housed individuals, relationships between multiple substance use and cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure are not well characterized.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study between 2016 and 2019 to examine associations between multiple substance use and blood pressure in women experiencing homelessness and unstable housing. Participants completed six monthly visits including vital sign assessment, interview, and blood draw to assess toxicology-confirmed substance use (e.g., cocaine, alcohol, opioids) and cardiovascular health. We used linear mixed models to evaluate the outcomes of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP; DBP).

Results

Mean age was 51.6 years; 74 % were women of color. Prevalence of any substance use was 85 %; 63 % of participants used at least two substances at baseline. Adjusting for race, body mass index and cholesterol, cocaine was the only substance significantly associated with SBP (4.71 mmHg higher; 95 % CI 1.68, 7.74) and DBP (2.83 mmHg higher; 95 % CI 0.72, 4.94). Further analysis found no differences in SBP or DBP between those with concurrent use of other stimulants, depressants, or both with cocaine, compared to those who used cocaine only.

Conclusions

Cocaine was the only substance associated with higher SBP and DBP, even after accounting for simultaneous use of other substances. Along with interventions to address cocaine use, stimulant use screening during cardiovascular risk assessment and intensive blood pressure management may improve cardiovascular outcomes among women experiencing housing instability.

Methamphetamine use increases the risk of cerebral small vessel disease in young patients with acute ischemic stroke

Methamphetamine use causes spikes in blood pressure. Chronic hypertension is a major risk factor for cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). The aim of this study is to investigate whether methamphetamine use increases the risk of cSVD. Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke at our medical center were screened for methamphetamine use and evidence of cSVD on MRI of the brain. Methamphetamine use was identified by self-reported history and/or positive urine drug screen. Propensity score matching was used to select non-methamphetamine controls. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effect of methamphetamine use on cSVD. Among 1369 eligible patients, 61 (4.5%) were identified to have a history of methamphetamine use and/or positive urine drug screen. Compared with the non-methamphetamine group (n = 1306), the patients with methamphetamine abuse were significantly younger (54.5 ± 9.7 vs. 70.5 ± 12.4, p < 0.001), male (78.7% vs. 54.0%, p < 0.001) and White (78.7% vs. 50.4%, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed that methamphetamine use was associated with increased white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, and total burden of cSVD. The association was independent of age, sex, concomitant cocaine use, hyperlipidemia, acute hypertension, and stroke severity. Our findings suggest that methamphetamine use increases the risk of cSVD in young patients with acute ischemic stroke.

A Chronic Condition Disguised as an Acute Event: the Case for Re-thinking Stimulant Overdose Death

Recent reports indicate that stimulant-related deaths are increasing dramatically. People who die from acute stimulant toxicity have high rates of pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD), much of which is undiagnosed. Moreover, people who use stimulants with CVD often remain asymptomatic until presenting to an emergency department with an acute event. Prior research shows that symptoms of stimulant toxicity may occur on a regular basis, and that people who die from stimulant toxicity are older than those who die of opioid toxicity. Taken collectively, the existing evidence suggests that death from acute stimulant toxicity is often an outcome of long-term, cumulative exposure leading to cardiovascular dysfunction rather than acute intoxication. Strategies tailored to the distinct etiology of stimulant overdose are needed. We propose a three-part approach including (1) implementing stimulant use interventions that promote not only abstinence, but also use reduction, (2) treating ongoing stimulant use as a chronic cardiovascular condition, and (3) making stimulant toxicity interventions relevant to the populations most affected, which includes people outside of the traditional health-care system. In short, to reduce stimulant-related fatality, we need to transform our approach in ways that are tailored to address its natural history.