ABSTRACT
The use of weight loss pills containing cayenne pepper has ever been increasing. The main component of cayenne pepper pills is capsaicin. There are conflicting data about the effects of capsaicin on the cardiovascular system. In this paper, we present the case of a 41 year old male patient with no cardiovascular risk factors who took cayenne pepper pills to lose weight and developed acute myocardial infarction.
Subject(s)
Appetite Depressants/poisoning , Capsicum/poisoning , Cardiotonic Agents/therapeutic use , Myocardial Infarction/chemically induced , Myocardial Infarction/prevention & control , Adult , Humans , Male , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Report of a lead intoxication epidemic caused by ingestion of contaminated ground paprika. DESIGN: Retrospective study of case histories. SETTING: Institutional, toxicological and medical referral center for ambulatory and hospitalized care. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-one adults consumed paprika contaminated with lead tetroxide (red lead). INTERVENTIONS: Intravenous calcium disodium versenate (edetic acid). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measurement of zinc protoporphyrin:heme ratio of whole blood and the blood lead level. EDTA mobilization test. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients had symptoms and signs of lead poisoning. The most common clinical signs were colic and/or anemia. Twenty-six persons showed increased lead absorption without clinical symptoms and signs. Chelation therapy with calcium disodium versenate resulted in complete clinical recovery. CONCLUSION: Lead-contaminated ground paprika, not previously described as a cause of alimentary lead intoxication, may cause symptomatic poisoning.
