Coronary artery aneurysm and thrombosis following chronic ephedra use

Abstract Ephedra, also known as Ma Huang, was commonly used to enhance athletic performance, “fat burning", and weight loss before its removal from the United States in April 2004 due to acute adverse health reactions including lethal arrhythmias, stroke, vasoconstriction, and myocardial infarc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of cardiology 2010-02, Vol.139 (1), p.e11-e13
Main Authors: Flanagan, Casey M, Kaesberg, Julie L, Mitchell, Eric S, Ferguson, Michael A, Haigney, Mark C.P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular disease chemically induced
Chest Pain - chemically induced
Coronary aneurysm
Coronary Aneurysm - chemically induced
Coronary Aneurysm - diagnostic imaging
Coronary Thrombosis - chemically induced
Coronary Thrombosis - diagnostic imaging
Dietary supplements adverse effects
Ephedra
Ephedra sinica - adverse effects
Ephedrine
Humans
Male
Plant Preparations - adverse effects
Radiography
Ultrasonography
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Summary:Abstract Ephedra, also known as Ma Huang, was commonly used to enhance athletic performance, “fat burning", and weight loss before its removal from the United States in April 2004 due to acute adverse health reactions including lethal arrhythmias, stroke, vasoconstriction, and myocardial infarction. We report the case of a 29-year-old patient with acute myocardial infarction, secondary to coronary artery aneurysms and thrombosis who reported use of Ma Huang, Xenadrine(r)RFA, and Hydroxycut at recommended dosages for a combined total of approximately 2 years. Other causes of coronary artery aneurysm and hypercoagulability were ruled out. Our case exemplifies the long-term (as opposed to acute) danger of ephedrine products and the first case of coronary artery aneurysm associated with its use.
ISSN:0167-5273
1874-1754
DOI:10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.06.081