‘One key sign’ makes it obvious you have cocaine problem that can ‘kill you in a night’

Warning: This article contains discussion of drugs which some readers may find distressing.

A doctor has issued a warning to cocaine users about a health symptom they should not ignore.

Once described as a 'middle-class' drug, cocaine use has increased across the UK in recent years. According to 2024 data from the Office for National Statistics, it was the second most commonly used illegal drug after cannabis in England and Wales.

A stimulant which causes intense energy, alertness and euphoria, regular cocaine use comes with numerous side effects. This includes mental health issues, frequent nosebleeds and the dreaded 'cocaine nose'.

As grim as 'lumps of flesh' falling out of your nose may sound, a doctor has issued a warning about a health complication that could prove much more deadly than a collapsed septum.

The Class A drug is linked to a number of health complications, some fatal (Getty Stock Images)

Writing about her experience working as a junior doctor in A&E for MailOnline, Dr Philippa Kaye revealed the sobering reason why patients who rock up to hospital with chest pain are likely to be asked about their cocaine usage.

"The consultant drove the lesson home in no uncertain terms: see a young person with chest pain, always ask about cocaine. I have never forgotten it," she wrote.

So, how does cocaine cause chest pain – and why is it so deadly?

Dr Kaye explains that the Class A drug is considered to be one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD).

According to the Cleveland Clinic, SCD is a condition in which the life-sustaining muscle stops working unexpectedly, often within an hour of symptoms appearing.

Following the initial cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body, leaving the organs starved of oxygen. Without prompt intervention, SCD occurs.

Regular use of the drug causes damage to the heart, leading to heart attacks, cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death (Getty Stock Images)

Why does cocaine use cause sudden cardiac death?

Cocaine impacts the heart in a number of ways. Dr Kaye notes that extended use of the drug causes the coronary arteries to constrict, leading to a sudden and severe reduction of blood flow to the muscle.

Cardiac arrhythmias, irregular heart rhythms, have also been linked to cocaine use, which increases a person's chance of sudden cardiac arrest.

This leads to complications such as heart attacks or cardiac arrest.

One study found that cocaine can trigger heart attacks, especially in younger adults, even without existing heart disease, with the highest risk occurring within an hour of use.

The drug can also cause increased blood pressure and heart rate, which can damage the heart and blood vessels. Rehabs UK also notes that cocaine has been linked to aortic dissection, a condition in which the inner layer of the large artery (aorta) tears, which can lead to a heart aneurysm.

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week.