A 22 year old hispanic student is brought to the ER for chest pain. He is accompanied by some friends who he was "hanging out" with. The chest pain is pressure like and central. It radiates to his jaw and left arm. He admits to doing cocaine about two hours ago and was drinking alcohol.

The following are correct statements about the scenario - except:

1. Hispanic students are more likely to do cocaine than blacks

2. Black students are more likely to do cocaine than whites

3. Beta blockers are contra-indicated in this scenario

4. Aspirin is useful in these conditions.

The answer is 2. Black students are less likely to use cocaine than whites.

Cocaine Usage:

Hispanic students (14.4%) were significantly more likely than white students (8.0%) and black students (1.9%) to have ever used cocaine.

Typical questions asked about cocaine use involve scenarios such as perforated nasal septum or chest pain/MI in a young patient.

Chest pain associated with this is related to vasospasm thus Beta blockers are contra-indicated. Benzodiazepines, Nitates and Aspirin are considered cornerstones.