According to multiple reports, rapper Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons, 50, is still on life support after following a heart attack.

After a reported overdose, the rapper was admitted to a New York hospital, sources confirmed to TMZ, Billboard, and Variety on Saturday. DMX’s attorney said the artist, whose real name is Earl Simmons, had a heart attack, according to ABC7.

Many illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and various forms of amphetamine, can have adverse cardiovascular effects, ranging from abnormal heart rate to heart attacks. Injecting illegal drugs also can lead to cardiovascular problems, such as collapsed veins and bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves.

The Yonkers rapper has struggled with drug issues. Back in October 2019, he canceled a series of concerts to return to a drug habilitation center.

How common is a heart attack in your 50s?

A 50-year-old American man has a one-in-two risk of developing heart disease during the rest of his life. That’s because cardiac risk factors are present in so many American men.

What raises your risk? 

Besides smoking, high blood pressure is a primary risk factor in heart disease, and its prevalence in blacks in the United States is among the highest in the world.

3 out of 4 black adults develop high blood pressure by the time they’re 55, according to a recently published study.

Many people frequently mix illegal drug use with alcohol consumption.  Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting raises your blood pressure temporarily, but repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases

And if you don’t think mental health can affect your heart health, then think again. 

Depression releases stress hormones and increases inflammatory chemicals that can cause a narrowing of the arteries.

We’re talking about diabetes weight loss medications and blood pressure monitors for home use, and sharing one woman’s journey to manage her type 2 diabetes after the loss of her husband, with music from Jessye Norman.

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Mandy Reece PharmD CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, and Know Diabetes By Heart Ambassador, Sarah Bryant.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Jessye Norman’s Roots: My Life, My Song (Live at The Philharmonie Berlin) album courtesy of SONY Music.