Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2 Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
3 Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
4 Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: The role of opium addiction as a cardiovascular-associated factor remains controversial. This study aimed to systematically compare the demographic, clinical, metabolic, and socio‑economic profiles of patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) with and without opium use disorder.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 ACS patients aged 60 years or younger admitted to Shafa Hospital in Kerman (2021-2022). Patients were divided into two equal groups: opium use disorder (n=100) and non-opium users (n=100). Data were collected using a checklist, medical records, and a socio-economic status (SES) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 with independent t-tests, Chi-Square Tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Results: The mean age of opium use disorder patients (54.7 ± 9.5 years) was significantly higher than that of non-opium users (50.9 ± 9.6 years) (P=0.01). The prevalence of heart failure was significantly lower in the opium user group (12% vs. 30%, P=0.02). All smokers (30%) were in the opium use group (P<0.001). The opium use group had a lower socio-economic status (P=0.02). No significant differences were found in lipid profile, blood sugar, or inflammatory markers. However, the distribution of ACS subtypes (STEMI vs. NSTEMI/Unstable Angina) differed between the groups.
Conclusion: This cross-sectional study demonstrates that ACS patients with opium use disorder differ from non-opium-user patients in several demographic, clinical, and social characteristics. These findings highlight opium addiction as a significant associated factor for serious cardiac complications, independent of traditional metabolic-associated factors. However, because these findings lack multivariable adjustment, they are hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in future prospective studies with appropriate adjustment for confounders.
Highlights
HamidReza Nasri (Google Scholar)
Masoome Kahnooji (Google Scholar)
Beydollah Shahouzehi (Google Scholar)
Keywords
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Opium Dependence
- Heart Disease Risk Factors
- Opioid
- Cross-Sectional Study
- Socioeconomic Factors
Main Subjects
)