People who use cocaine even recreationally increase their risk of suffering a heart attack, a new study has shown.

According to Australian scientists who carried out the research, cocaine is the 'perfect heart attack drug'. Those who regularly use it have higher blood pressure, thicker heart wall muscle and stiffer arteries compared to those who do not use the drug. All of these can increase the risk of a heart attack.

The team used MRI scans to assess the effects of cocaine in 20 adult users of the drug. All were considered healthy. These were then compared with 20 non-users of the drug.

The study found that those who regularly used cocaine showed a number of increased risks. Aside from higher blood pressure, their arteries were 30-35% thicker than non-users and part of the heart wall was 18% thicker.

While past studies have shown the immediate effect of cocaine on the heart, this marks the first study to identify persistent high blood pressure and stiffness in the arteries of people who use cocaine, even after the effects of the drug have worn off.

"It's so sad. We are repeatedly seeing young, otherwise fit individuals suffering massive heart attacks related to cocaine use. Despite being well-educated professionals, they have no knowledge of the health consequences of regularly using cocaine," the scientists said.

They called for more education about both the short and long-term effects of cocaine.

Details of these findings were presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2012.