Use of crack vs cocaine increases risk of ___.

• A. Stroke and cardiovascular events
• B. Weight gain
• C. Immediate detoxification difficulties
• D. Improved athletic performance

Answer: (A)

Crack cocaine produces a rapid, intense surge of sympathetic activity when smoked, causing quick and pronounced increases in blood pressure and heart rate. This sudden hemodynamic stress can trigger cerebrovascular events like strokes and a range of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and arrhythmias, especially with repeated dosing and high peak concentrations. That is why crack use is linked to a higher risk of stroke and cardiovascular events.

Other ideas don’t fit as well: cocaine use can suppress appetite, so weight gain is not a typical consequence; detoxification difficulties aren’t a defining acute risk of crack specifically; and cocaine misuse does not improve athletic performance—in fact, it can impair performance and health. The key risk tied to crack is the increased likelihood of stroke and cardiovascular complications.