Despite substantial improvements in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), the use of recreational substances such as alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs remains one of the key modifiable risk factors. A recent cohort study evaluated the association of recreational substances with premature and extremely premature ASCVD and it was found that recreational substances were independently associated with a higher likelihood of premature and extremely premature ASCVD, and conferred a greater magnitude of risk for premature ASCVD among women. It was also discovered that amphetamines and cannabis had the greatest odds of early-onset ASCVD among all illicit drugs. The results demonstrated in this study would allow clinicians to be more vigilant and aggressive about providing youngsters with drug cessation programmes.

Keywords: recreational substances, premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, drug cessation

Reference

Mahtta D, et al. Heart 2021;107:650-656.