Alcohol and Drugs Causing More Heart Deaths in U.S.

Alcohol and drug use is taking a toll on adult hearts across the U.S.

A new study finds the number of heart deaths linked to substance use increased significantly from 1999 to 2019.

Researchers reviewed CDC data and found alcohol was a factor in 65% of heart disease deaths, followed by opioids, cocaine, stimulants, sedatives and marijuana.

Increases were highest among women, American Indian or Alaskan adults, young adults 25-39, and those who used pot or psychostimulants.

The senior author says these findings highlight the need for increased patient and clinician education.

He says, “Such efforts are critical in reversing the trends in cardiovascular deaths associated with substance use.”

And will hopefully reduce the overall burden of heart disease and stroke.