Kratom And Stroke: What's The Link?

Kratom is an herbal leaf from the Mitragyna speciosa evergreen tree, native to Southeast Asia. It is often sold as a natural herbal extract and has gained popularity for its stimulant and sedative effects. However, despite its reputation as a safe and natural substance, kratom abuse can lead to serious health risks, including the possibility of a stroke.

Kratom interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects similar to opioids at higher doses. This interaction can lead to a decrease in heart rate and breathing, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, chronic kratom abuse can cause liver and kidney damage, with the potential for liver and kidney failure in the long term.

Furthermore, kratom has been linked to tachycardia, which is an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Tachycardia can elevate the risk of stroke, and in some cases, it has been associated with cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary arrest. The lack of regulation and potential for contamination in kratom products further contribute to the health risks associated with its use.

Kratom's impact on heart rate and blood pressure

Several studies have reported tachycardia as one of the most common acute adverse cardiovascular effects of kratom consumption. For instance, a study by Anwar et al. (2016) found that out of 660 calls to the National Poison Data System in the United States from 2010 to 2015, 25% of callers complained of tachycardia. Similarly, Post et al. (2019) examined 1,807 cases of kratom exposure reported to the National Poison Data System from 2011 to 2017 and found that 21.4% of cases involved tachycardia. Davidson et al. (2021) also reported tachycardia as the most common adverse cardiovascular effect in their study of 938 cases of kratom exposure.

In addition to these acute effects, regular, long-term kratom consumption may also impact cardiac rhythm and increase the risk of myocardial ischemia. A cross-sectional study by Leong Abdullah et al. (2021) compared electrocardiogram (ECG) findings between regular kratom users and a control group. The study found that 8% of kratom users experienced sinus tachycardia, compared to only 1% in the control group. This difference was statistically significant, indicating that kratom use may indeed impact heart rate. The study also found that kratom users were more likely to have borderline QTc intervals, which can be indicative of potential cardiac issues. However, the study did not find a significant difference in prolonged QTc intervals between kratom users and the control group, and the authors noted that further research is needed to confirm these findings.

It is important to note that the available data on kratom's impact on heart rate and blood pressure is limited, and more rigorous human studies with larger sample sizes are needed. Additionally, many of the reported cases of adverse cardiovascular effects involved polysubstance use, so the role of kratom alone is not entirely clear. Nonetheless, the existing evidence suggests that kratom can impact heart rate and blood pressure, particularly when used in high doses or in combination with other substances.

Kratom's role in cardiac arrest

Kratom, an herbal leaf from the tropical evergreen tree Mitragyna speciosa, has gained popularity as a substitute for opioids. While it is widely available in the United States, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) considers it a "drug of concern." The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also issued a warning against its therapeutic use, claiming that it can cause abuse, dependence, and even death.

Kratom has been linked to various adverse health effects, including an increased risk of cardiac arrest. Up to one-third of kratom users experience negative side effects, which may lead to cardiac arrest, liver damage, brain bleeding, or seizures. The exact causes of these dangers are not well understood, but kratom poses a threat to several vital organs, particularly the heart.

Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate and blood pressure, is one of the most common acute adverse cardiovascular effects of kratom consumption. This condition can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure. In addition, some case reports suggest that kratom consumption may induce ventricular arrhythmia, particularly ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest.

While the majority of reported cases involved multiple substance exposures, there have been a few instances of cardiac arrest attributed solely to kratom use. For example, a case study described a 35-year-old man who suffered a cardiac arrest due to kratom use with no other co-ingested substances. Another case report detailed a 26-year-old man with no history of medical illness who experienced cardiorespiratory arrest after ingesting an unknown quantity of kratom.

In conclusion, while kratom's role in cardiac arrest is not yet fully understood, the existing evidence suggests a potential link between kratom consumption and an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, including cardiac arrest. Further studies are needed to definitively establish the relationship between kratom use and cardiac arrest, especially considering the lack of data and methodological limitations in current research.

Kratom's potential to cause seizures

Kratom is an herbal supplement derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is indigenous to Southeast Asia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is available in several forms and can be smoked, vaped, drunk, or swallowed in capsule form.

Kratom has been linked to seizures, with up to one-third of its users experiencing adverse side effects that may lead to seizures. There have been several case studies and reports of seizures associated with kratom use. One case study involved a 49-year-old woman with epilepsy who experienced frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures after using kratom daily for anxiety. Another case study reported on a 24-year-old man who presented to the neurology clinic after a first generalized tonic-clonic seizure, also associated with kratom use.

The exact mechanism by which kratom causes seizures is unknown, but there is a clear correlation between the two. Kratom interacts with many receptors in the body and has a variety of clinical effects across multiple organ systems. The active ingredients in kratom produce effects similar to stimulants and opioids, depending on the dose consumed.

Given the potential risks associated with kratom use, including seizures, it is important for physicians to routinely ask patients about their kratom use and to have open conversations about the risks and unregulated status of this substance.

Kratom's effect on the liver

Kratom is a herbal supplement derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. It has psychotropic and opioid-like effects and is used recreationally and as a painkiller, as well as for opiate withdrawal, to increase energy and stamina, and to treat chronic pain, diarrhoea, and coughs.

Kratom has been linked to several health risks, including liver damage. While the mechanism by which kratom causes liver injury is unknown, there have been several reports and studies linking its use to acute liver damage. Here is an in-depth look at kratom's effects on the liver:

Acute Liver Damage

Kratom has been implicated in rare instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury, with the onset of injury usually occurring within 1 to 8 weeks of starting regular use. Symptoms of acute liver damage include fatigue, nausea, pruritus (severe itching), dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). The pattern of liver injury is typically cholestatic, which involves a blockage or backup of bile in the liver that impairs its function, or mixed. This type of liver damage can be severe, with serum bilirubin levels rising above 20 mg/dL.

Other Complications

The severe cholestasis (a reduction or stoppage of bile flow) caused by kratom use can be accompanied by acute renal failure and bone marrow toxicity. Fever is also a common symptom of kratom-induced liver damage. In some cases, cholestasis can persist for a prolonged period but usually resolves spontaneously. However, corticosteroids and N-acetylcysteine have been used to treat suspected kratom hepatotoxicity, although their efficacy is unproven.

Risk Factors and Interactions

The exact causes and risk factors for kratom-induced liver injury are not well understood. However, it is important to note that kratom is often used in combination with other drugs, including drugs of abuse, which may contribute to liver damage. Additionally, kratom has been shown to have significant interactions with certain medications, such as Seroquel, a medication used to treat psychiatric disorders.

Prevalence and Regulation

The use of kratom is increasing, particularly among young adults, and it is readily available in many states. However, it is important to note that kratom is unregulated in most states, and there is no enforcing body to monitor its quality, potency, or safety. This lack of regulation increases the risk of contamination and adverse health effects, including liver damage.

In summary, while kratom may have some perceived benefits, it also poses a significant risk of acute liver injury. The mechanism of liver damage caused by kratom is not yet fully understood, and further research is needed to determine the exact causes and risk factors. However, the existing evidence suggests that kratom use can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening liver damage. Therefore, it is crucial to approach kratom with caution and be aware of its potential adverse effects on the liver.

Kratom's legality and lack of regulation

Kratom is a substance derived from the leaves of the tropical evergreen tree Mitragyna speciosa, which is native to Southeast Asia. It is available in tobacco, vape, and natural product stores, among others, and can be smoked, vaped, drunk, or swallowed in capsule form. In the US, kratom is not approved for medical use and is not lawfully marketed as a dietary supplement, food additive, or drug product. Despite this, it remains popular, with an estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older having used it in 2021. This number rose to 1.9 million in 2022.

The legality of kratom varies across the US. While it is still legal at the federal level, several states have taken steps to restrict or prohibit its use. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin have made it illegal to possess, purchase, or use kratom. Other states, such as Tennessee, have partial bans in place, prohibiting only synthetic versions of the drug. Several counties across the country have also made possession of kratom illegal.

The lack of consistent regulation for kratom products is a significant concern. Without an enforcing body to monitor quality, potency, and safety, there is no way to ensure that kratom products are free from dangerous contaminants. This issue came to the forefront in 2018 when a multi-state outbreak of salmonella was linked to contaminated kratom products. There were 199 reported infections across 41 states, resulting in over 70 hospitalizations. This incident highlighted the potential dangers of unregulated kratom products and the need for stricter controls to protect consumer safety.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against the unlawful marketing and distribution of kratom products. They have issued warnings to consumers about the risks associated with kratom use and have partnered with the US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice to seize illegal kratom products. The FDA continues to work with federal partners to protect public health and provide accurate information about the risks of kratom consumption.

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