Mark Leeds, D.O.

Mark Leeds DO On Addiction Treatment And Addiction Recovery

Mark Leeds, D.O.

  • Do Opioids Affect Heart Rate or Blood Pressure? Do Opiates Raise Blood pressure?

Do Opioids Affect Heart Rate or Blood Pressure? Do Opiates Raise Blood pressure?

Thursday 5th November 2020

Dr. Mark Leeds explores how opioids affect heart rate and blood pressure, offering insights into risks and safer alternatives like buprenorphine.
15 minutes
Informative
Educational
Thought-provoking
Raw
Non-judgmental

About this podcast

Mark Leeds DO On Addiction Treatment And Addiction Recovery
Author:
Mark Leeds, D.O.
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
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Opioids and Your Heart: What You Need to Know with Dr. Mark Leeds

While the cardiovascular effect may not be as dramatic as with a stimulant, it is still important to consider the possibility that a person with an underlying heart condition could have a problem with one of these drugs: opiates and blood pressure.
How do opioids really affect your heart? Dr. Mark Leeds dives into this crucial question in this episode, shedding light on the often misunderstood relationship between opioids and cardiovascular health. While stimulants like cocaine are notorious for their heart-related dangers, opioids are typically seen as sedatives that calm the body. However, the reality is more complex, especially for those with pre-existing heart conditions. Dr.
Leeds explains how opioids can still impact your heart, potentially leading to heart failure by reducing the force of heart muscle contractions and lowering blood pressure. Methadone, in particular, is known for prolonging the QT interval, a measurement that can be tracked with an electrocardiogram, posing specific risks. On the flip side, buprenorphine emerges as a safer alternative, offering flexibility in its administration—whether taken under the tongue or injected. Beyond opioids themselves, Dr.
Leeds also tackles the alarming issue of fentanyl-laced heroin and stresses the importance of seeking treatment for addiction. This episode is packed with essential information for anyone looking to understand the full scope of opioids' effects on the heart and overall health. Whether you're battling addiction or supporting someone who is, Dr. Leeds' insights provide a valuable guide to navigating these challenges.