Amanda Goodsell, a 27-year-old mother of twins from Kingman, Arizona, was placed on life support after her family said she suffered a severe cardiac reaction following nearly a week of using kratom gummies for persistent leg pain.
Goodsell had never used kratom before, according to her family. Her husband, Mike Goodsell, suggested the supplement because it was widely available at gas stations and convenience stores.
"Everybody knew what Kratom was. So I was like, here, just take this. You could just buy it at the gas station. It's not going to hurt you," Mike Goodsell told Arizona Family.
After several days of taking the gummies, he found her unresponsive in their bed with blue lips and foam around her mouth.
Goodsell was rushed to a hospital, where her family said doctors found that her heart was functioning at only about 15% capacity. She spent roughly two weeks hospitalized and on life support before her heart function improved enough to avoid a transplant.
She has since returned home but is expected to need a defibrillator and heart medication long-term.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is an herbal product derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. Its active compounds, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with receptors in the brain and nervous system.
At lower doses, kratom may produce stimulant-like effects, while higher amounts can have opioid-like effects. People may use it for pain, anxiety, or to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
The product is often sold as a powder, capsule, liquid extract, or gummy. Its availability can vary by state and locality, and products may differ considerably in potency and ingredients.
How Could Kratom Affect the Heart?
The full effects of kratom on the cardiovascular system are still being studied. However, the Food and Drug Administration has warned about potential serious risks associated with kratom products, including seizures, liver toxicity, and other adverse effects.
Some reports have also linked kratom exposure to abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac arrest, although severe complications appear to be uncommon. Risk may be influenced by the amount consumed, the product's potency, and whether kratom is combined with other substances or medications.
Goodsell's case does not by itself establish that kratom caused her heart failure. Her family's account describes a temporal association between her use of the product and her medical emergency, but determining the precise cause would require a medical evaluation and investigation into other possible factors.
Why Products Sold as Supplements Can Be Difficult To Assess
Kratom products can be marketed as herbal or natural supplements, which may lead some consumers to perceive them as inherently safer than conventional medications. However, natural does not necessarily mean risk-free.
The concentration of active compounds can vary between products, while some kratom products may contain additional ingredients. Consumers may also have difficulty determining how much of an active substance they are actually taking.
The risks can become more complicated when kratom is combined with other drugs or substances that affect the heart or central nervous system.
According to Arizona's Family, doctors initially told the family that Goodsell could require a heart transplant. Her condition later improved, which her husband described as a dramatic turnaround.
Despite her recovery, the family said she faces ongoing health challenges and may need a defibrillator and medication for the rest of her life.
Her husband is now urging others to be cautious about kratom, arguing that its easy availability does not necessarily mean the products are harmless.
