A Rare Case of Phentermine-Induced Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy

Obesity is a global epidemic with steadily increasing prevalence in most countries. Weight loss is generally challenging for patients to tackle in the face of the temptation to overeat and avoid physical activity. Hence, clinicians and patients alike are likely to steer toward the use of anorexigens. We report the case of a 33-year-old female with no significant cardiac history who presented with dyspnea, productive cough, and chest pressure for one month and was diagnosed with new-onset heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction secondary to prolonged phentermine use. The authors aim to highlight phentermine’s potential for precipitating heart failure, even in a young, relatively healthy person, especially with a growing obese population. Ultimately, healthy weight loss can be achieved by implementing dietary changes and encouraging adequate physical activity, as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended. Anorectic drugs may be employed for short-term use. Further research concerning the long-term side effects of phentermine may avert the prescriber and patient from abusing this drug.