CHRONIC CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS OF CRACK USER. A CASE REPORT

Introduction and Objective: In recent years, the discussion about use and abuse of drugs has been taken up, particularly about "crack”, a form of smoked cocaine. Evidence suggests that there may be acute and chronic cardiovascular complications in cocaine users. The dilated cardiomyopathy and the cardiac hypertrophy have been reported in these users and are believed to be attributed to the direct toxic effects on the heart, leading to heart failure because of myofibrils destruction, interstitial fibrosis and coronary dilatation. Method:This paper aims to describe a case report of heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy in a young patient with a past medical history of crack and alcohol use, attended by a family physician in a primary care unit and describe the preventive implications, prognostic and therapeutic for the case. Conclusion: Chronic cocaine use is associated with myocardial hypertrophy. It is necessary to highlight the clinical and ongoing management of this care by the family and community physician, because it is a chronic health problem that requires an action strategy for a long time. In a recent cohort, it was found cardiovascular disease in 71% of asymptomatic users, with an average ratio of cocaine use related to the likelihood of development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Despite advances in medical therapy and multidisciplinary care observed in recent years, heart failure remains a clinical syndrome associated with high mortality. The integrality and coordination and continuity of care are essential attributes to make a difference in the healthcare outcomes.