Methamphetamine-Associated Cardiomyopathy: A Looming Epidemic for A New Generation |Biomedgrid

Methamphetamine is a widely used drug of abuse associated with cardiovascular-related events and mortality as discussed in other case studies. There is limited scientific evidence describing the prevalence and presentation of cardiomyopathy due to the use of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine abuse is increasingly problematic, as it is causing early onset cardiomyopathy in generations younger than previously expected. There are few management guidelines for methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MAC). We present a unique case of a 54-yearold female arriving to the emergency department (ED) with a history of hypertension, obesity, asthma, and congestive heart failure. We made the diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy by echocardiogram with additional imaging in consultation with cardiology. Here we discuss epidemiology, pathophysiology, imaging, management, and other issues related to MAC.