Hair Spray Induced Cardiomyopathy

Inhalants are common drugs of abuse. Hydrocarbons, the active ingredient in most inhalants, exert depressant effects on the central nervous system, causing a ‘high’. In the heart, hydrocarbon toxicity can predispose patients to arrhythmias and heart failure through increased sympathetic susceptibility. We present the case of a 28-year-old female who developed dilated cardiomyopathy in the setting of chronic inhalant abuse. LEARNING POINTS: Chronic inhalant abuse can lead to cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure. Chronic inhalant abusers should be screened for signs of heart failure. Severe hydrocarbon toxicity can cause sudden sniffing death syndrome.