b5media.com

Advertise with us

Enjoying this blog? Check out the rest of the Health & Wellness Channel Subscribe to this Feed

A Hearty Life

Meth Addict Shawn Bridges Dies of Heart Failure

by Hsien-Hsien Lei, PhD on March 27th, 2007

Shawn Bridges died Monday at age 35 from the effects of meth addiction on his heart. Among other major health effects, crystal methamphetamine (meth) is associated with an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Shawn was diagnosed with congestive heart failure after he suffered a heart attack at age 26 and twice had to be shocked back to life. He was the focus of a documentary called “No More Sunsets: The Last Days of a Meth Addict,” which he hoped would convince others to avoid meth use. Here’s a video clip.

NB: Cocaine is the leading cause of heart attacks among people in their 20’s and 30’s.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

POSTED IN: People With Heart Disease

14 opinions for Meth Addict Shawn Bridges Dies of Heart Failure

  • Mark Herpel
    Mar 29, 2007 at 10:48 pm

    This is a very sad thing to see. The power of that drug and the needless pain it causes. It very sad to think that young people could be causing heart failure just trying to feel good. This should be head lines on all major news channels in prevention of kids using this stuff.
    Mark

  • shan.non
    Mar 30, 2007 at 3:20 am

    This is tragic! When you live fast, so fast you can’t stop, you die. Ironic, Cops is on downstairs & they just found crystal on the guy.
    RIP Shawn.

  • Hsien-Hsien Lei, PhD
    Apr 1, 2007 at 6:37 pm

    Mark: Dreadful, isn’t it? Shawn Bridges was very selfless in allowing his story to be documented. I hope it helps prevent some people from going down the wrong path.

    shan.non: Thanks for your comment. Drugs are great until it screws you over for good. Not worth it for those few moments of fake good feelings.

  • A Hearty Life » Hearty Minute Podcast #2
    Apr 3, 2007 at 2:16 pm

    […] and amphetamines linked to stroke. Please also see my previous post about meth addict Shawn Bridges, who died from heart […]

  • Sandy
    Apr 14, 2007 at 3:17 am

    My condolences to Shawn’s family and friends. To die from the causes of drug addiction is horrific. My ex-husband John passsed March 13th 2007 also from congestive heart failure, due to long term cocaine abuse. I wish there was something we could do to help others like John and Shawn. Our divorce was directly related to his cocaine abuse. Even after diagnosis the grip of addiction was stronger than his will to live. Our youth needs to be educated as to long term effects. You may not necessarily die of an overdose. Your body may simply give up. Again, my condolences.

  • Sandy
    Apr 14, 2007 at 3:19 am

    P.S. John was 41

  • Lynn
    Apr 17, 2007 at 7:59 pm

    It is very sad that this man carried so much guilt for the death of his younger brother that he wanted to take his own life slowly. I am a recovering alcoholic and can appreciate what an addiction can do to a person. It takes constant reminding that I am a good person just like everyone else and I don’t deserve the monkey on my back. I am so sorry to the family that he didn’t off the elevator before it hit bottom. I can only hope and pray that this will help another addict.

  • Tracy
    May 8, 2007 at 12:34 am

    My brother died April 23,2007 from meth. He was 23. I know now from investigating his life as last days he wanted help so bad but the drug was so powerful over him, I believe that he had decided his fate was upon him, as his friends let me know that he had started praying often over the weeks prior to his death. He had an appointment at rehab but put it off everyday.Because he died alone an autopsy was performed and at this time the state has still not released the cause of death. But the manner in which he was found suggests a heart attack. I wish I could have and would have done more. My heart also goes out Shawn and his family. God Bless You and may peace find you.

  • Mr. Rehab
    May 14, 2007 at 5:47 pm

    After heart surgery I was prescribed just about every type of heart medication to be taken simultaneously. I read up on the various types and then refused to take the calcium-blocker drug. Things went well for a while, but then I began to have an arrhythmia which was not a fatal type but nevertheless very unpleasant. Again I researched the problem and discovered that another type of heart medicine could, very rarely, cause such an arrhythmia.

  • generic for norvasc
    May 29, 2007 at 6:59 pm

    Shawn’s story, no more sunsets touched me. I recommend it to everybody whether or not you’ve had any experience with meth. It’s full of life and hope, coming from a dying man.

  • my canadian pharmacy
    May 30, 2007 at 1:49 am

    Shawn’s story, no more sunsets touched me. I recommend it to everybody whether or not you’ve had any experience with meth. It’s full of life and hope, coming from a dying man.

  • Codi Bridges
    Dec 14, 2007 at 1:11 am

    yea i no it i so sad im his 13 r old daughter and i really miss him so much and i hope his life,video,death teachs young kids like me and even adults

  • alie
    Feb 22, 2008 at 12:54 pm

    i quit using meth in sept 2007… on jan 6, 2008 i was diagnosed with congestive heart failure… four different doctors confirmed that my long term drug abuse was the reason for my heart condition… since i cant change my past, i can try to change someones future so i tell my story to anybody who will listen… knowing that other people can learn from my mistakes makes it easier for me to accept what i have done to myself…

  • trauma recovery center, post traumatic stress disorder
    Apr 7, 2008 at 10:55 pm

    Why didn’t he stop? If I’d be almost dead twice I’d probably think of living my life as long as I can. I’m sorry to hear about his passing. Some people don’t know how to stop and simply say not anymore. Meth is a very powerful drug, it can cause addiction even after the first use.

Have an opinion? Leave a comment: