Heartbreakers: Decoding the Molecular Dynamics of Stimulants Abuse on the Cardiovascular System

DISCOVERIES (ISSN 2359-7232), 2025, volume 13

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_{CITATION: Stirbu CM, Vasiliniuc A, Vasiliu A, Liehn EA. Heartbreakers: Decoding the Molecular Dynamics of Stimulants Abuse on the Cardiovascular System. Discoveries 2025, 13(2): e207. DOI: 10.15190/d.2025.6}

_{Heartbreakers: Decoding the Molecular Dynamics of Stimulants Abuse on the Cardiovascular System}

Cristina Mihaela Stirbu^1,2, Anisia-Cristiana Vasiliniuc¹, Anda Vasiliu^1,3, Elisa Anamaria Liehn^1,4,5,*

• ¹ Center of Innovation and e-Health, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Strada Dionisie Lupu 37, 030167 București, Bucharest, Romania 
• ² Military Medicine Institute, 3-5 Institutul Medico-Militar Street, 010919 Bucharest, Romania
• ³ Genomics Research and Development Institute, Bucharest, Romania
• ⁴ National Heart Center Singapore, 5 Hospital Dr, 169609, Singapore
• ⁵ St. Katharinen Hospital Frechen, 1-5 Kapellenstrasse, 50226 Frechen, Germany

 * Corresponding author: Elisa A. Liehn, Center of Innovation and e-Health, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Strada Dionisie Lupu nr. 37, 030167 Bucharest, Romania; Email: elisa.liehn@umfcd.ro

_Abstract

This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between stimulants abuse, particularly involving caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate and cocaine, offering a detailed and insightful overview of the multifaceted consequences of stimulant drug use on the cardiovascular system. Substance abuse is a medical and socioeconomic issue, which should be regarded properly with respect to its multifaceted implications. For instance, chronic usage exponentially increases the cardiovascular risk, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. Arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, thrombosis and ischemia are just some of the direct effects of stimulants on vessels and heart, which lead in time to more severe pathological changes, such as hypertension, cardiomyopathies, valvulopathies, myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease and other cerebrovascular diseases.  The different approaches and diverse perspectives of this review, highlight the clinical significance of this complex field. Moreover, opportunities for further research and exploration are pointed out, thus promoting public education, personalized medical approaches, and targeted interventions to mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality linked to stimulant abuse. Hopefully, this effort will enhance public cardiovascular well-being.

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