Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing psilocybin, have been used since ancient times for their hallucinogenic and mind-healing properties. In recent years, there has been a renaissance in the use of psilocybin for terminally ill cancer patients and people suffering from depression. However, the effects of magic mushrooms on the human heart have not been extensively studied. Here, we will explore the topic of whether magic mushrooms increase heart rate and review the available research on their cardiovascular effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Magic mushrooms' effect on heart rate | Magic mushrooms have been shown to increase heart rate, possibly due to their effects on serotonin receptors. However, some studies have found no significant differences in heart rate after mushroom consumption. The increase in heart rate is typically transient and dose-dependent, with no need for medical intervention. |
| Safety | Magic mushrooms are generally considered safe and non-toxic, with a high lethal dose. However, they can pose risks for individuals with cardiovascular illnesses or in combination with other drugs. |
| Side effects | Side effects of magic mushrooms include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, rapid breathing, and pupillary dilation. More serious adverse effects include acute kidney injury, cardiac arrest, and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC). |
| Medical use | Magic mushrooms have been studied for their antidepressant properties and as an alternative to traditional antidepressant therapies. They have also been used in palliative care for terminally ill cancer patients. |
| Toxicity | Magic mushrooms are generally not considered toxic, and fatal intoxications are rare. However, they can cause poisoning, leading to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, visual and auditory changes, and thirst. |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms can increase heart rate and blood pressure
Hallucinogenic drugs are known to have effects on the central nervous system, particularly by stimulating serotonin receptors. However, they can also have an impact on the heart. Magic mushrooms, which contain psilocybin and psilocin, have been found to increase heart rate and blood pressure. These increases are transient and dose-dependent, with no need for medical intervention. However, they may pose a risk to individuals with cardiovascular illnesses.
The effects of magic mushrooms on the heart have been observed in various studies. One study found that psilocybin increased blood pressure in healthy volunteers. Another study compared the effects of psilocybin with 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine (2C-B), a mescaline-derived hallucinogen, and found that both compounds induced increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In addition, psilocybin led to systolic hypertension in eight cases. A separate study reported that psilocybin had similar efficacy to escitalopram in treating depression, but with milder side effects, typically limited to transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
The mechanism behind the increase in heart rate and blood pressure involves the stimulation of serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT4 receptor. This leads to higher levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), resulting in increased force generation and an elevated heart beating rate. The proarrhythmic effects observed with psilocybin and psilocin may be due to their cAMP-increasing effects on the heart. Additionally, psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been found to reduce the size of cardiomyoblasts, increase mitochondrial activity, and decrease tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and oxygen-free radical levels, demonstrating protective effects against certain types of cell injury.
While magic mushrooms are generally considered to have a low side-effect profile and low toxicity, there have been rare cases of more serious adverse events associated with their use. These include acute kidney injury, cardiac arrest, and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC). It is important to note that fatal intoxications due to magic mushrooms are rare and often occur in combination with other drugs. The safety of psilocybin-containing mushrooms in individuals with cardiovascular disease conditions is not fully understood and may pose risks to those with existing illnesses. Therefore, it is crucial to consider potential risks and benefits when using psychedelics in pharmacotherapy, taking into account factors such as substance type, dosage, and individual comorbidities.
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The effects are transient and dose-dependent
The use of hallucinogenic drugs, including "magic mushrooms", has been on the rise, especially among adolescents and young adults. This has raised concerns about their impact on cardiovascular health. Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are heat-stable and act on the heart by potentially increasing the force of contraction and beating rate.
The effects of psilocybin on the heart are transient and dose-dependent. In other words, the changes in heart rate and blood pressure are temporary and related to the amount consumed. For example, a study by Hasler et al. (2004) found no changes in heart rate or arrhythmias, even at high doses of psilocybin (315 µg per kilogram of body weight). On the other hand, a study by Ross et al. (2016) reported tachycardia (increased heart rate) in patients with terminal illnesses.
The discrepancy in findings may be due to various factors, including the type of substance, duration of use, and individual differences such as comorbidities and drug interactions. For instance, in the case of a 48-year-old male with ADHD, psilocybin use led to ventricular fibrillation. Additionally, psilocybin-containing mushrooms may be unsafe for those with cardiovascular illnesses, as they can induce a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This could be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those taking certain medications.
While magic mushrooms are generally not considered toxic, with a high lethal dose, they can still pose risks when combined with other drugs or in individuals with specific health conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the dose and individual factors when understanding the transient effects of magic mushrooms on heart rate.
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They can induce rapid heartbeat by stimulating serotonin receptors
Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms", are hallucinogenic drugs that can induce a range of psychological effects, including altered perception of time and space, euphoria, hallucinations, and anxiety. They have been used for their mind-altering properties since ancient times, and their use has increased significantly in recent decades, particularly among adolescents and young adults. While magic mushrooms are generally considered to have a low toxicity profile, they can pose risks to individuals with certain health conditions, particularly those with cardiovascular issues.
The active compounds in magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, specifically the 5-HT2A and 5-HT4 subtypes. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions, including heart rate. By stimulating these serotonin receptors, magic mushrooms can induce an increased heart rate, a condition known as tachycardia.
The mechanism behind this effect is believed to involve the generation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, acts by increasing the levels of cAMP in the body. This increase in cAMP leads to a higher force of contraction in the heart muscle and an elevated heart beating rate. This effect on the heart's contraction strength and rate is known as the inotropic and chronotropic action of psilocybin and psilocin.
Additionally, certain factors can enhance the stimulation of serotonin receptors and the resulting increase in heart rate. For example, individuals taking MAO inhibitors, such as moclobemide or tranylcypromine, may experience higher plasma concentrations of psilocin, potentially leading to a more pronounced increase in heart rate. Furthermore, the duration of psilocybin use may also play a role, as studies have suggested that longer-term use may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular effects.
While the increase in heart rate caused by magic mushrooms is typically transient and dose-dependent, it can pose a risk to individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. For example, individuals with heart failure or hypertension may be at a higher risk of adverse events when using magic mushrooms. Therefore, it is crucial to consider an individual's medical history and comorbidities when assessing the potential risks associated with magic mushroom use.
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Cardiac death has been reported, possibly due to cardiac arrhythmia
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, have been reported to cause cardiac death, possibly due to cardiac arrhythmia. While the mushrooms are generally not considered toxic, with a high lethal dose, they can induce a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This effect has been observed in several studies and is likely due to the stimulation of serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT4 receptor. This can lead to an increased force of contraction and a higher beating rate.
In one case, a patient with a history of heart transplant experienced cardiac death possibly linked to psilocybin use. The post-mortem psilocin concentration in their plasma was found to be 30 μg/L. However, it is important to note that psilocybin's impact on cardiovascular parameters is not fully understood, and there are limited data from older literature on its cardiac effects.
Additionally, recreational drug use, including the use of psychedelics and hallucinogens such as magic mushrooms, is a significant public health concern. While magic mushrooms are known for their hallucinogenic properties, they can also have cardiovascular implications. The increase in heart rate and blood pressure may present a risk to individuals with cardiovascular illnesses or conditions such as heart failure.
Furthermore, it is challenging to assess the cardiovascular safety of psychedelics in pharmacotherapy due to various factors such as substance type, dosage, and therapy duration. However, it is well-established that recreational drugs can increase signalling mechanisms in the sympathetic nervous system, leading to elevated heart rates and blood pressure.
In summary, while magic mushrooms may offer potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the realm of antidepressant properties, they can also lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. This effect could be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the cardiovascular safety of magic mushrooms and consider individual risk factors when exploring their therapeutic potential.
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Magic mushrooms are generally not considered toxic
Hallucinogenic drugs, including magic mushrooms, have effects on the central nervous system. They can increase the force of contraction and beating rate and may lead to arrhythmias. Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are heat-stable and cannot be inactivated by heating extracts of the mushrooms.
While the effects of psilocybin on cardiovascular parameters have been reported, there are scarce data on the cardiac effects of psilocybin in animals. In healthy volunteers, hallucinogenic doses of psilocybin increased blood pressure. Psilocybin has also been associated with an increased heart rate, though this may be due to its cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-increasing effects on the heart.
In addition, the strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, and the effects can depend on the dose and type of mushroom used. Magic mushrooms sold illegally may be in the form of dried whole mushrooms, powder, tablets, or capsules. Drugs produced illegally are not tested and may contain other dangerous substances. There is also a risk of adverse effects from consuming magic mushrooms with certain medications, such as MAO inhibitors.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, magic mushrooms have been shown to induce a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This increase may present a risk to users with cardiovascular illnesses.
The increase in heart rate is caused by the generation of cAMP. If the degradation of cAMP is reduced by lowering PDE activity, this can lead to higher cAMP levels and thus a higher heart beating rate.
The increase in heart rate and blood pressure is usually transient and dose-dependent, with no need for medical intervention. However, it may pose a risk to users with cardiovascular illnesses such as heart failure.
Magic mushrooms have been associated with cardiac arrhythmias and, in rare cases, cardiac arrest. They have also been shown to increase the force of contraction of the heart.
