Kratom Side Effects Heart: The Adverse Cardiovascular Effects And Cardiotoxicity Of Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa Korth.)
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa Korth., has gained popularity for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. It is often used for pain relief, managing opioid withdrawal symptoms, and as a recreational drug. Despite its benefits, there is growing concern about its safety, particularly regarding its cardiovascular effects and potential for cardiotoxicity. Kratom ingestion has been linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular problems and potential toxicity. Understanding the adverse cardiovascular effects of kratom is crucial for users and healthcare professionals alike.
The cardiovascular effects of kratom can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. Reports of heart-related issues, such as arrhythmias, increased heart rate, and hypertension, are becoming more common among kratom users. These symptoms can lead to more severe conditions like heart attack or stroke. The growing evidence of kratom’s potential for cardiotoxicity raises significant public health concerns, especially as its usage increases in the United States and other parts of the world.
Mass Tort America understands the dangers associated with kratom use and is committed to helping those who have suffered from its adverse effects. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing the support and legal assistance needed to navigate the complexities of such cases. With our comprehensive approach, we strive to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Understanding Kratom And Its Use Among Kratom Users
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, where it has been used traditionally for centuries. The leaves of the kratom tree contain compounds that can have psychotropic effects. These compounds, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects similar to both stimulants and opioids. This dual nature makes kratom appealing to a wide range of users, from those seeking pain relief to those looking for an energy boost or euphoria.
While kratom is often marketed as a safe and natural alternative to prescription opioids, its unregulated status means that users are at risk of consuming products with varying potency and purity. This inconsistency can lead to unexpected and dangerous side effects. Moreover, because kratom is not subject to the same rigorous testing and approval processes as pharmaceutical drugs, there is limited reliable information about its long-term safety and potential for harm. Taking kratom can pose significant risks, especially when combined with other medications, due to its impact on liver function and the potential for adverse interactions.
In Malaysia, mitragynine (the most abundant psychoactive alkaloid of kratom extracts) has been included in the Dangerous Poison Act 1953 since 2003. Although the planting of kratom trees is not considered an offense in Malaysia, the trafficking and possession of kratom leaves are illegal, and people convicted of these criminal acts could be penalized with prison sentences.
The rise in kratom use has led to an increase in reports of adverse effects, prompting regulatory bodies and healthcare providers to take a closer look at its safety profile. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the risks associated with kratom use, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has considered classifying it as a Schedule I controlled substance, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Cardiovascular Risks Associated With Kratom Overdose
Kratom’s impact on the cardiovascular system is a growing area of concern. Users have reported experiencing a range of heart-related symptoms, from mild to severe. Commonly reported issues include tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), hypertension (high blood pressure), and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). These symptoms can be particularly dangerous for individuals with preexisting heart conditions, as they may exacerbate underlying problems and lead to more serious complications. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular health issues should be particularly cautious, as kratom can exacerbate these conditions and lead to severe complications.
One of the primary ways kratom’s adverse cardiovascular effects manifest is through its interaction with adrenergic and opioid receptors. Mitragynine, one of the main active compounds in kratom, has been shown to have stimulant effects, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. At higher doses, kratom’s opioid-like effects can slow down the heart rate and depress respiratory function, creating a dangerous imbalance in the body’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
The risk of kratom overdose is also a concern, as it can lead to severe cardiovascular complications, including cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure.
Other possible cardiovascular effects include atherosclerosis, ventricular arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, dose-dependent prolonged QTc interval, myocarditis, cardiomegaly, and cardiac arrest.
In addition to these direct effects, kratom use has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. This risk is thought to be due to the strain that kratom places on the heart and blood vessels, as well as the potential for interactions with other substances. For example, combining kratom with other stimulants or depressants can amplify its effects and increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes.
The study uncovered data from the National Poison Data System in the United States and showed various adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Interestingly, the majority of reports involved multiple kratom exposures and only a minor number of those reports had exposures with kratom. Among 660 call reports in the US over the period 2010-2015, Anwar and his colleagues attributed higher kratom exposures. The numbers are expected to rise from 26 in 2010 to 263 in 2015.
Can Kratom Cause An Enlarged Heart?
It is possible to have an association with the use of Kratom with cardiomegalysis or enlarged cardiac. Although there are still no studies to date about this subject, some studies suggest that persistent, high-dose kratom usage might be associated with ventricular abnormalities and an expanded heart. Kratom’s active alkaloids are a powerful inhibitor of the circulatory system that affects the heart shape. This is crucial because kratom is considered unproven in many cases but it may have some effect on some variables, such as blood pressure or heart rates.
In addition to cardiovascular issues, kratom-induced liver injury has been reported, highlighting the potential for multi-organ toxicity.
Research And Case Studies On Kratom’s Adverse Cardiovascular Effects
The scientific community is increasingly focused on understanding the cardiotoxic effects of kratom. Several studies and case reports have documented instances of cardiovascular problems associated with its use. These reports highlight the need for more comprehensive research to determine the full extent of kratom’s impact on the heart and circulatory system. To better understand kratom’s impact, more randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to provide high-quality evidence on its cardiovascular effects.
One study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology investigated the effects of mitragynine on cardiovascular function. The kratom researchers found that mitragynine can cause significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as disruptions in normal heart rhythms. These findings suggest that kratom has the potential to cause serious cardiovascular harm, especially when used in high doses or over extended periods. The potential for kratom toxicity, including severe cardiovascular and liver damage, underscores the need for further research and regulation.
Case reports have also provided valuable insights into the real-world effects of kratom on the cardiovascular system. For example, a case study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine detailed the experience of a 26-year-old man who developed severe tachycardia and hypertension after using kratom. Despite receiving medical treatment, the patient continued to experience cardiovascular problems, highlighting the persistent and potentially long-lasting effects of kratom use.
Kratom’s Association With Ischemic Heart Diseases, Other Cardiovascular Toxicities, And Kratom-Related Mortality
The study was performed retrospectively by Corkery. Specifically, it examined autopsy and coroner reports of deaths from kratom use in other countries such as Australia and Canada. 155 people died in the kratom use of the drugs. Only 16.7% were caused by Kratom-related deaths. The study also highlighted cases of kratom-related mortality, emphasizing the severe risks associated with its use. Dietary metabolization in patients who died only through kratom use had an absolute prevalence of 0.398 mg/L in their blood samples.
In addition to cardiovascular risks, kratom dependence is a growing concern, with users experiencing withdrawal symptoms and physical dependence.
The Need For Regulation And Public Awareness
Given the potential dangers associated with kratom use, there is a pressing need for regulatory action and increased public awareness. Currently, kratom is widely available for purchase online and in stores, often marketed as a safe and natural supplement. However, the lack of regulation means that users cannot be certain of the quality or safety of the products they are consuming.
The risks are further compounded when kratom is used in combination with other psychoactive drugs, increasing the potential for severe adverse effects.
Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and DEA have taken steps to address the risks associated with kratom, but more needs to be done. Public health campaigns can help to educate users about the potential dangers of kratom and encourage safer practices. Additionally, healthcare providers should be informed about the signs and symptoms of kratom use and its potential cardiovascular effects, so they can better support and advise their patients.
Increased research funding is also essential to gain a deeper understanding of kratom’s cardiotoxicity and develop effective interventions. By studying the mechanisms underlying kratom’s effects on the heart and circulatory system, researchers can identify potential treatments and strategies to mitigate its risks. Collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and regulatory agencies will be key to addressing the challenges posed by kratom and protecting public health.
How Mass Tort America Can Help
If you or a loved one has experienced adverse cardiovascular effects from kratom use, Mass Tort America is here to help. Our team of dedicated professionals has extensive experience in handling cases involving dangerous substances and can provide the support and guidance you need. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
At Mass Tort America, we offer personalized legal services tailored to your unique situation. Our concierge team assists clients from all over the nation, coordinating every aspect of your case to ensure a smooth and efficient process. We are dedicated to holding manufacturers accountable for the harm caused by their products and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Contact us today at 800-356-4338 or visit our contact form at https://masstortamerica.com/contact
