Long-term beta-blocker therapy safe and effective in reducing cardiomyopathy in patients who actively abuse stimulant drugs

Author

Jessica Bugbee, University of the PacificFollow

Date of Award

3-1-2019

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Department

Physician Assistant Education

First Advisor

Mark Christiansen

Abstract

If anything was learned since Breaking Bad, it’s that the devastation due to the methamphetamine problem does not spare a single person. Similarly, cocaine abuse does not have benign effects on the heart. Methamphetamine and cocaine abuse are increasing worldwide including use among the younger population; making recognition of the cardiovascular risks more important than ever.

If long-term BBT can decrease the incidence of stimulant-related cardiovascular complications commonly experienced in methamphetamine and cocaine users, then it may be possible to decrease unnecessary admissions to the hospital and ICU. Therefore, in patients who actively engage in stimulant drug abuse, how does long-term BBT, both selective and nonselective, affect cardiovascular outcomes compared to no BBT regarding prevention of stimulant-induced-cardiomyopathy?

Recommended Citation

Bugbee, Jessica, "Long-term beta-blocker therapy safe and effective in reducing cardiomyopathy in patients who actively abuse stimulant drugs" (2019). Physician Assistant Capstones. 5.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pa-capstones/5