Heart infections tied to opioid drug use doubled in the past 14 years

Those who abuse drugs are at an increased risk of an infection of the heart, known as infective endocarditis, and new research finds that the ongoing opioid epidemic in the U.S. may have led to a doubling in the condition’s prevalence. Looking at data from 2002-2016 and nearly 1 million people who were hospitalized with infective endocarditis, researchers found that the prevalence of the condition in drug abusers increased from 8% at the beginning of the study period to 16% in 2016. These increases happened around the U.S., although states in the Midwest saw the highest jumps. Those with infective endocarditis related to drug abuse were also predominantly younger, white men who were from poorer backgrounds. “We believe these findings are alarming from a public health standpoint and outline the need for an immediate tailored action plan,” the study authors write.