home | brain | mouth | heart | lungs | liver | kidneys | digestion

Meth and the Circulatory System

HEART BLOOD VEINS ARTERIES

Arteries pump fresh blood, oxygen, nutrients and drugs out from the heart to the brain and body.  After the fresh blood nourishes the muscles and organs of the body, veins collect the "tired" blood and carry it back to the heart.

The heart pumps the blood (and drugs) to other parts of the body through the system of arteries.  The "rush" and "high" begin when the drug reaches the brain.  This takes 15-30 seconds. 
 

The heart beats faster and harder.

--------->

  
 

Veins and arteries constrict (get skinnier).

<---------

Skinnier veins and arteries reduce blood flow and increase blood pressure.

--------->

  
  The blood clots more easily to stop bleeding. (Your body thinks it might be hurt.) 

 

CONCERNS

* Heart beat gets out of rhythm. 
* High blood pressure can lead to increased risk of heart attack.
* Germs (from injecting) can infect the lining of the heart (endocarditis). 

 

 

 

 

 
web production