Coronary artery aneurysm and thrombosis following chronic ephedra use

Casey M. Flanagan, Julie L. Kaesberg, Eric S. Mitchell, Michael A. Ferguson, Mark C.P. Haigney*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e11-e13
JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology
Volume139
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 18 Feb 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular disease chemically induced
  • Coronary aneurysm
  • Dietary supplements adverse effects
  • Ephedra
  • Ephedrine

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