A recent study shows that cocaine is linked to 3% of sudden deaths according to a report published in the European Heart Journal.

Experts say that the report proves that the effects of cocaine should not be taken lightly as many young adults see it as a “safe party drug”.

The data published by the European Heart Journal primarily came from south-west Spain. However experts are saying that this data refers to Europe as a whole and not just a portion of Spain.

They said anyone could suffer the deadly consequences of taking cocaine.

Fotini Rozakeas of the British Heart Foundation said: “The reality is that there are risks every time you use it.

“Cocaine can have devastating effects on the user including heart attacks, life-threatening heart rhythms, strokes and even sudden death.

“The potential deadly consequences from cocaine use can happen to anyone who takes it, even in previously young healthy people with no history of heart disease.”

In the study, 21 out of 668 sudden deaths were related to cocaine use and all of these occurred in men aged between 21 and 45.

Most involved problems with the heart and the majority of the men were also smokers and had been drinking alcohol at the same time as taking cocaine.