The dose makes the poision.
http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/921033839.html
It can cause the heart to beat so fast that it can't get all the oxygen it needs.
It can cause irregular heartbeats that can lead to cardiac arrest and sudden death.
Cocaine can cause the blood vessels carrying blood to the heart to narrow and close completely. This interrupts the blood supply to the heart and a portion of the heart muscle can die.
Cocaine also acts like a poison that weakens the heart so it can't keep blood flowing at a normal rate. The blood can get "backed up" in the vessels. This condition, called Congestive Heart Failure, can be fatal.
Cocaine can also cause an enlarged heart and heart muscle weakness (called "cardiomyopathy"), which can lead to death.
People who are otherwise healthy can have a heart attack and die even if they use cocaine only once. People who already have heart disease or defects are at even greater risk of a heart attack if they use cocaine.
I dont think it causes damage "on contact". It does damage liver cells, but what does it matter if it kills heart cells by depriving them of oxygen or directly? The result is the same?
[This message has been edited by Dr. Quack (edited 16 August 2001).]
[This message has been edited by Dr. Quack (edited 16 August 2001).]
