ISSN 0034-9887. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0034-98872012000400013.Background:">http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0034-98872012000400013.Background:</a> Cocaine abuse is associated with an increased risk of cardiac and cerebrovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, and ischemic stroke.