HOLand smoke cigarettes, both of which affect
fetal development, health consequences for
infants born to cocaine-addicted mothers are often
multiple and complex. Infants born addicted to
cocaine require extensive medical care until their
bodies are free from the effects of the drug. They
are also more likely to be born prematurely,
increasing the need for medical care during early
infancy as well as the risk for lifelong health prob-
lems, including developmental delays and LEARN-
ING DISORDERSlater in life.
Cocaine abuse may also cause changes in car-
diovascular function that can result in sudden
HEART ATTACKin users of any age and during any
use of the drug, including the first time.
Researchers do not know what causes such car-
diovascular changes or their precise nature,
though speculate the cardiovascular effect is a
combination of conductive (ARRHYTHMIA) and
ischemic (severely decreased blood flow and oxy-
gen supply to the HEART MUSCLE) circumstances
that collude to cause the heart to suddenly stop
beating.
See also AMPHETAMINES; ANESTHESIA; ILLICIT DRUG
USE; SCHEDULED DRUGS; STIMULANTS; SUBSTANCE ABUSE
PREVENTION; SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT.cocaine 329