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You are in: Home > Heart Information > Reducing The Risks > Recreational Drugs

Avoid Recreational Drugs

Some recreational drugs (e.g. cocaine, amphetamines (speed) and ecstasy) can cause your blood pressure to rise.

Cocaine causes your coronary arteries to constrict, raising your blood pressure and reducing the blood supply to your heart. During the first hour after cocaine use, the risk of a heart attack increases by nearly 24 times. The risk of heart disease amongst cocaine users is compounded by other risk factors including smoking and drinking excess alcohol; the combination of all three can be a lethal cocktail.

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Useful contacts

Know the Score
For free confidential drugs information and advice call the Know the Score helpline on
0800 587 587 9. Trained advisers will be there to talk to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need further help they will point you in the right direction. Information about what help is available in on their website.

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