Cardiovascular Complications of Chronic Opium Consumption: A Narrative Review Article

Mojtaba ZIAEE; Reza  HAJIZADEH; Arash KHORRAMI; Nariman  SEPEHRVAND; Saeideh MOMTAZ; Samad GHAFFARI

doi:10.18502/ijph.v48i12.3546

Mojtaba ZIAEE
Reza HAJIZADEH
Arash KHORRAMI
Nariman SEPEHRVAND
Saeideh MOMTAZ
Samad GHAFFARI

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v48i12.3546

Keywords: Opium; Cardiovascular disease; Drug interactions; Metabolic effects; Mortality

Abstract

Opiates are the second most prevalent abused illicit substance after cannabis in the world. The latest United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report estimated 30% increment in opium cultivation worldwide. High prevalence of opium consumption in eastern countries may be due to the high availability and traditional misconceptions. Opium consumption has been linked to hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and coronary artery diseases (CAD). In this review, we will review the association between opium use, cardiovascular diseases, and clinical outcomes. The present evidence suggests that chronic opiate consumption may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and related mortality.