No safe dose of cocaine, scientists warn

THERE is no “safe” dose of cocaine and anyone taking even small amounts of the drug is dicing with death.

The stark warning comes after Spanish researchers found more than 3% of 668 sudden deaths were directly linked to cocaine.

Most of the cocaine-related deaths were due to heart and artery problems.

Levels of cocaine found in the blood or urine of victims varied greatly, and in some cases, were low.

The scientists, led by Dr Joaquin Lucena, from the Institute of Legal Medicine in Seville, wrote in the European Heart Journal: “Any amount of the drug can be considered to have the potential for toxicity due to the fact that some patients have poor outcomes with relatively low blood concentrations, whereas others tolerate large quantities without consequences.”

The researchers found that 81% of men who died after taking cocaine also smoked, and 76% had drunk alcohol.

Dr Lucena said: “Our findings show that cocaine use causes adverse changes to the heart and arteries that then lead to sudden death.

“The combination of cocaine with either of these habits can be considered as a lethal cocktail that promotes the development of premature heart disease.”

Around 12 million Europeans took cocaine, said the researchers.

University of Texas professors David Hills and Richard Lange, stated: “The notion that recreational cocaine use is ‘safe’ should be dispelled, since even small amounts may have catastrophic consequences, including sudden death.”