Sarah Brown
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has gained popularity for its recreational and medicinal uses. While it is known to have hallucinogenic effects, its impact on heart health is less understood. Some reports associate psilocybin use with adverse cardiac events, including cardiac arrest and acute kidney injury, particularly in individuals with heart disease. However, other studies suggest that psilocybin has a low side-effect profile and toxicity, with transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure as the primary cardiac side effects. As the usage of psilocybin mushrooms increases, further research is needed to comprehensively understand the risks and benefits of this hallucinogen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Usage | The usage of psilocybin mushrooms has increased significantly over the last few decades, especially among adolescents and young adults. |
| Side Effects | Psilocybin mushrooms have a low side-effect profile and low toxicity. Side effects may include paranoia, increased heart rate and blood pressure, kidney injury, and seizures. |
| Risks | Psilocybin mushrooms may increase the risk of mania in people with bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder. They may also increase the risk of cardiac arrest and death in people with heart disease. |
| Medical Uses | Psilocybin mushrooms are being studied for their potential antidepressant properties and have shown promise in treating depression with a mild side-effect profile. |
| Cardiovascular Risks | Psilocybin mushrooms may increase the risk of cardiac fibrosis, valvulopathy, and heart valve disease due to structural similarities with medications known to cause these conditions. |
| Addiction | Psilocybin mushrooms are not considered addictive or habit-forming. |
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What You'll Learn
Cardiac arrest and death
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", are hallucinogenic drugs that have seen a significant increase in usage over the last few decades, especially among adolescents and young adults. While studies have shown that psilocybin has a relatively low side-effect profile and toxicity, with most side effects being benign and self-limiting, there have been rare cases of severe adverse events associated with its use.
One of the primary concerns regarding the consumption of psilocybin mushrooms is the potential risk of cardiac arrest and death, particularly in individuals with heart disease. The proarrhythmic effects of psilocybin and its active metabolite psilocin have been implicated in causing cardiac complications, including cardiac arrhythmia, which can lead to fatal outcomes. In one reported case, a patient experienced cardiac death, likely due to cardiac arrhythmia, ten years after undergoing a heart transplant.
Additionally, psilocybin shares structural similarities with medications known to increase the risk of cardiac fibrosis and valvulopathy when taken regularly. These medications include methysergide, pergolide, and fenfluramine. Prolonged use of psilocybin may also increase the risk of heart valve disease by binding to the 5-HT2B receptors. However, it is important to note that the long-term effects of microdosing psilocybin on cardiac health are still unknown, and further rigorous placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to establish the full range of potential risks.
While the risk of cardiac arrest and death associated with psilocybin mushroom consumption may be relatively rare, it is crucial for individuals, especially those with heart disease or a history of heart-related issues, to exercise caution and be aware of the potential dangers. The recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms should be approached with caution, and individuals should always seek medical advice before consuming any substance that may impact their heart health.
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Hallucinogenic effects
Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in "magic mushrooms", often in the Psilocybe genus. It is used in spiritual rituals, recreationally, and as medicine. Psilocybin has hallucinogenic effects and can be obtained from both fresh and dried mushrooms in varying concentrations.
The usage of psychedelics/hallucinogens, including psilocybin-containing mushrooms, has increased significantly over the last few decades, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms are known for their hallucinogenic properties and have a relatively low side-effect profile and toxicity, with most side effects being benign and self-limiting. However, there have been rare complications such as hyperthermia, seizures, coma, and acute kidney injury reported.
There is a potential link between psilocybin use and an increased risk of cardiac issues, including cardiac arrest and death, especially in individuals with heart disease. Experimental studies on the effects of psilocybin on heart function have yielded inconsistent results. While some extracts of psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been shown to protect against certain types of cell injury and reduce the size of cardiomyoblasts, there is also evidence suggesting that psilocybin may contribute to proarrhythmic effects and a significant prolongation of the QT interval at high doses.
Additionally, psilocybin shares structural similarities with medications known to increase the risk of cardiac fibrosis and valvulopathy when taken regularly. Clinical trials with psychedelics in the form of microdosing have not provided conclusive evidence, and further research is needed to fully understand the cardiac risks associated with psilocybin use.
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Microdosing
While psilocybin-containing mushrooms have a low side-effect profile and toxicity, with most side effects being benign and self-limiting, there have been rare cases of severe adverse events, including cardiac arrest. One such case involved a heart transplant recipient who died from cardiac arrhythmia after ingesting "magic mushrooms".
The long-term effects of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms on cardiac health are relatively unknown. Microdosing typically involves ingesting sub-threshold doses of psychedelics over a longer period of time. Clinical trials with psychedelics in the form of microdosing have not provided convincing evidence, and it is suggested that the risks may outweigh the benefits. The largest "self-blinding" clinical trial to date, involving 191 participants who microdosed LSD or psilocybin mushrooms every 3-4 days for 4 weeks, showed equal improvement in both the placebo and psilocybin groups.
There is some evidence that psilocybin shares structural similarities with medications that increase the risk of cardiac fibrosis and valvulopathy when taken regularly. Additionally, psilocybin has been shown to exert a positive inotropic effect in isolated human atrial preparations, which may contribute to its proarrhythmic effects.
Prolonged activation of the serotonin 5-HT2B receptor through microdosing has been proposed as a potential risk factor for valvular heart disease (VHD). However, this risk has not been comprehensively assessed, and further studies are needed to better understand the long-term effects of microdosing on cardiac health.
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Bipolar disorder
Psilocybin, the primary psychoactive component of psychedelic 'magic mushrooms', has been touted as a potential treatment for depressive symptoms and, consequently, bipolar disorder (BD). Bipolar disorder is a brain condition that causes extreme mood swings and altered behaviour. While psilocybin has shown promise in treating depression, people with bipolar disorder have been excluded from modern clinical trials due to concerns about triggering mania or worsening the illness.
There is limited knowledge of the risks and benefits of psilocybin in bipolar disorder, and understanding is currently limited to case studies. A recent study found that psilocybin treatment resulted in positive personality changes in patients with alcohol use disorder. Another small open-label pilot study demonstrated that a single dose of psilocybin was safe and effective in reducing depressive symptoms in participants with bipolar disorder type II. This study carefully selected participants with bipolar type II to reduce the risk of mania or psychosis.
Despite the potential benefits, there are risks associated with psilocybin use in bipolar disorder. Data suggests that bipolar disorder symptoms may emerge or intensify following psilocybin use. A systematic review of case studies found 17 cases of adverse events involving mania and psychedelic substances, with five of these cases involving psilocybin. Two of these cases involved individuals with a likely pre-existing diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Traditional psychedelics such as LSD, peyote, and ayahuasca can also trigger mania in individuals with bipolar disorder.
While psilocybin may offer potential therapeutic benefits for bipolar disorder, more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits fully. Clinical trials that carefully monitor symptoms and include individuals with bipolar disorder are necessary to determine the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-based treatments for this population.
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Cardiomyoblasts and mitochondrial activity
The usage of psychedelics, including psilocybin-containing mushrooms, has significantly increased in recent decades, especially among adolescents and young adults. While psilocybin mushrooms are known for their hallucinogenic properties, they have also been studied for their potential antidepressant effects and relatively benign side effects. However, there have been rare cases of more severe adverse events associated with their use, including cardiac complications.
Cardiomyoblasts, the precursor cells to cardiomyocytes, play a crucial role in understanding the effects of psilocybin on the heart. Experimental studies have revealed that psilocybin-containing mushroom extracts can reduce the size of cardiomyoblasts. This reduction in size may be linked to the protective effects observed against pathological hypertrophy and cell death. Additionally, psilocybin has been found to increase mitochondrial activity in cardiomyoblasts.
Mitochondria are essential organelles found in most eukaryotic cells, including cardiomyoblasts. They are often referred to as the "powerhouse" of the cell due to their role in energy production. Mitochondria provide energy in the form of adenine triphosphate (ATP), which is crucial for various cell activities, including the excitation and contraction of cardiac cells. The heart, in particular, has high energy demands, consuming approximately 6 kg of ATP per day to pump blood.
The dynamic nature of mitochondria is highlighted by their ability to change shape in response to cellular stimuli. These shape changes are mediated by processes such as mitochondrial fusion and fission and are influenced by metabolic conditions and energy needs. In cardiomyoblasts, manipulating fission and fusion proteins can induce significant morphological changes. Additionally, mitochondria are involved in calcium homeostasis and the oxidative stress response, further contributing to their essential role in cellular function.
While psilocybin has been shown to increase mitochondrial activity in cardiomyoblasts, the overall impact on heart health is complex. The proarrhythmic effects of psilocybin have been linked to its ability to increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in the heart. This can lead to a prolongation of the QT interval, potentially increasing the risk of heart valve disease. However, clinical trials with psilocybin microdosing have not provided conclusive evidence of cardiovascular risk, and more rigorous studies are needed to establish the safety profile of chronic psychedelic use.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms have been associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrest and death in people with heart disease. They can also cause a temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure, which may be dangerous for those with uncontrolled heart disease or high blood pressure. However, experimental studies on the effects of psilocybin mushrooms on heart function have yielded inconsistent results, and more research is needed to fully understand the cardiovascular risks associated with their use.
The side effects of psilocybin mushrooms can include paranoia, hallucinations, and a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Most side effects are benign and self-limiting, but rare complications such as hyperthermia, seizures, coma, and acute kidney injury have been reported.
Psilocybin mushrooms might increase the risk of mania in people with bipolar disorder or those with a family history of bipolar disorder. They may also be unsafe for individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure, especially if these conditions are not well-controlled. It is important to understand the potential risks and side effects before consuming psilocybin mushrooms.
