The findings do not prove that stress disorders actually triggered heart complications, experts said. But there are reasons to believe they contributed, according to Simon Bacon, author of an editorial published with the study.
Besides 91 deaths in which kratom use was at least a factor, victims in 61 other fatal drug overdoses were found to have kratom in their bloodstreams, the CDC said.
Nationwide, the number of prescription drug shortages rose from 71 in 2005 to 255 in 2011. Shortages of cancer drugs more than doubled during that time.
Researchers believe the findings suggest a link between multitasking and obesity risk -- the connection being the part of the brain that responds to temptation.
