Cardiotoxicity is the occurrence of heart dysfunction as electric or muscle damage, resulting in heart toxicity.[1] This can cause heart failure, arrhythmia, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathy in patients.[2] Some effects are reversible, while in others, permanent damage requiring further treatment may arise. The heart becomes weaker and is not as efficient in pumping blood. Cardiotoxicity may be caused by chemotherapy (a usual example is the class of anthracyclines)[3][4] treatment and/or radiotherapy;[5] complications from anorexia nervosa; adverse effects of heavy metals intake;[6] the long-term abuse of or ingestion at high doses of certain strong stimulants such as cocaine;[7] or an incorrectly administered drug such as bupivacaine.[8]
^de La Coussaye JE, Eledjam JJ, Brugada J, Sassine A (1993). "[Cardiotoxicity of local anesthetics]". Cahiers d'Anesthésiologie. 41 (6): 589–598. PMID8287299.