Research Highlights on Methamphetamine and Heart Health
- Methamphetamine use played a significant role in nearly 1 in 6 heart attacks over a ten-year span in a Northern California hospital.
- Heart attacks among meth users largely affected younger adults and males, who often lacked traditional heart disease risk factors like high cholesterol and obesity.
DALLAS, April 29, 2026 — New research has revealed that methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, was responsible for about 15% of heart attacks in a decade-long study conducted at a hospital in Northern California. This study was published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Dr. Susan Zhao, a cardiologist and medical director at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, highlighted that meth users experiencing heart attacks were generally younger and less likely to have typical conditions that contribute to heart problems, such as high cholesterol and diabetes. Alarmingly, these meth users had double the risk of dying after a heart attack compared to those who do not use meth.
Meth is a highly addictive illegal drug that has seen a major rise in usage in the U.S. in recent years. It often appears as a powder or crystal form known as “crystal meth.”
In this significant study on acute coronary syndrome related to methamphetamine use, researchers examined over 1,300 heart attack cases treated at one hospital.
Key Findings:
- Meth use accounted for about 16% of heart attacks during the study period.
- The average age of meth users who had heart attacks was 52, while non-users averaged 57.
- Meth users had lower instances of common risk factors like obesity and diabetes but were more likely to smoke and experience challenges such as homelessness.
- About 42% of meth users were readmitted for more heart issues, and nearly 22% faced a higher risk of death, compared to 14% in non-users.
- Only about 59% of meth users received standard treatments for heart attacks, like procedures to clear blocked arteries, compared to 75% of non-users.
Dr. Zhao notes that as meth usage increases, particularly on the West Coast, more heart attacks associated with the drug will likely extend beyond California. She emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to pay close attention to heart attack cases in seemingly healthy individuals without traditional risk factors.
Robert L. Page II, a professor and expert in cardiovascular health, explained that meth can lead to premature heart disease and other serious cardiovascular issues, stressing the importance of discussing these risks with patients.
Study Overview:
- Conducted at Santa Clara Valley Health Care, the study focused on 1,309 adults ages 18 to 65 who were treated for heart attacks from 2012 to 2022, including 194 meth users.
- Meth use was confirmed through medical records and urine tests.
While the study offers vital insights, it may not fully capture the extent of meth’s impact on heart health due to potential gaps in drug screenings among patients. The findings also emphasized the need for targeted approaches to prevent and treat heart-related issues in meth users.
In conclusion, this research highlights the critical health risks associated with meth use and the urgent need for more awareness and specialized care for affected individuals.
