A short interruption is usually accompanied by chest pain that lasts only a short time. Except for cocaine users, it is usually seen only in people over 45, and mostly in those 60 years old and older. If the interruption lasts too long, heart muscle cells die from lack of blood and oxygen. It is not possible at present to state absolutely that cocaine abuse causes MI's. In one study, patients who experienced a heart attack while using cocaine were studied to find out if high doses were more likely to cause it than low doses.
Cocaine can also cause disturbances in the rhythm of the heart beat.
The most common of these cocaine effects is a rapid but regular heart beat pattern. When this happens, the heart is unable to pump blood around the body. These conditions can cause death if not treated quickly at a hospital. Medical risks of cocaine use. Adverse health consequences of cocaine abuse.