Recreational drug use may substantially increase the risk of stroke.
Illicit drugs double the risk of stroke
A large review analysing health data from more than 100 million people has found that several commonly used illicit drugs are associated with a significantly higher likelihood of stroke, with particularly concerning patterns observed among younger adults.
Researchers found the risk of stroke was 122% higher among amphetamine users and 96% higher among people who use cocaine compared with those who did not take the drugs.
Cannabis use was also associated with increased risk, with users experiencing 37% more strokes than non-users. The analysis found no clear evidence that opioid use increased stroke risk.
The elevated risk was also seen among younger adults. Among people under the age of 55, researchers observed a near tripling of stroke risk among amphetamine users.
Cannabis use in this group was linked to a smaller 14% increase, while the risk associated with cocaine remained high at 97%.
Dr Megan Ritson, a research associate at the University of Cambridge and first author on the study, told The Guardian: “Illicit drug use is a preventable stroke risk, but I don’t know if young people are aware how high the risk is. This is the first finding that has shown how different substance use disorders really can impact stroke risk.”
Strokes occur when blood vessels supplying the brain become blocked or rupture, disrupting oxygen delivery to brain tissue.
The condition is the third leading cause of death and disability worldwide, responsible for more than seven million deaths each year.
Juliet Bouverie, chief executive at the Stroke Association, said the substances place huge stress on the cardiovascular system, increasing clotting, narrowing blood vessels and raising blood pressure.
She added: “More people of all ages are having strokes… yet nine out of 10 strokes are preventable. We strongly advise that people follow simple steps to live a healthy lifestyle and reduce their risk of stroke including eating a colourful diet, not drinking too much alcohol, getting regular exercise, and not smoking, vaping, or taking any illegal drugs.”