Washington: Though it has been long known that cocaine use leads to a number of cardiovascular complications including artery blockage and heart attacks, researchers in a new study have helped to identify the effects of cocaine use that may lead to heart problems.

They found that in cocaine abusers, elevated levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) – a protein associated with inflammation – were associated with endothelial abnormalities and coronary artery calcification, which are factors known to contribute to heart disease.

The team studied 53 African-American adults between 25 and 45 years of age with a history of cocaine use. The researchers conducted a variety of tests, including an echocardiographic examination, spiral computed tomography (CT) scans to look for coronary calcification, analysis of blood for serum cholesterol and CRP, and an evaluation of endothelial function.

They found that 45 per cent of the participants had serum CRP levels above the normal range of the general population. Those with elevated CRP had greater endothelial abnormalities and more coronary calcification than those with normal CRP levels.

ANI