Chest Pain in a Young Male with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Substance Abuse: A Case Report and Literature Review

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the leading cause of poisoning-related deaths in the United States. In addition, myocardial infarction (MI) due to CO poisoning in a young, healthy adult is rare. On the other hand, smokeless tobacco, processed in various forms, is a controversial coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factor. In this study, we describe a 29-year-old man who presented with acute chest pain following a night of smoking tobacco and using smokeless tobacco in the presence of carbon monoxide poisoning. ST-segment elevation was observed on an electrocardiogram, and echocardiography revealed akinesia. In addition, cardiac markers were elevated. In this particular instance, thrombolytic therapy demonstrated successful outcomes. We believe the case and discussion could shed light on the emergency department management of such individuals. We advise clinicians to consider the possibility of coronary heart disease in carbon monoxide poisoning patients and to obtain a baseline electrocardiogram and cardiac markers.