Amy Winehouse Suffering From Drug-induced Heart Problems

Troubled British singer Amy Winehouse is suffering from drug-induced heart problems, it has been claimed.

The singer's family and managers -- who initially said the Rehab hitmaker was suffering from the lung condition emphysema -- actually fear she will die from coronary failure, as the true extent of her ailing health is kept under-wraps.

Insiders tell Britain's News of The World newspaper that the 24-year-old Grammy Award winner has had two serious near misses -- suffering terrifying heart attack-like symptoms, including chest pains, breathlessness, numbness and confusion.

Last month, when Amy had a fit and was hospitalized, her dad Mitch announced she had emphysema. But a source told the publication, "We were terrified she’d had a heart attack.

"Her pulse was barely there and she was struggling to breathe and complaining of chest pains. It was awful.

"She got Mitch to take her to hospital because she didn't want a fuss but it was really serious. Far more serious than she’s made out since then.

"Amy is far more at risk from drug-induced heart failure than emphysema."

A medical expert said last night that it was "very likely" the drug-addled star had damaged her heart.

TV's Doctor Hilary Jones explained, "Crack cocaine is a stimulant. It can send the heart haywire, leading to irregular beats, palpitations, breathlessness, chest pains—all the symptoms of a heart attack.

"It could be very dramatic and frightening for Amy. She would also be very breathless and have water on the lungs as a result, which might suggest a lung complaint like emphysema.

"But emphysema is more common in people over 50. She's way too young to have damaged her lungs to that extent, and the fact she can still sing amazingly suggests they aren't badly damaged.

"It's more likely her breathing problems are a side-affect of having damaged her heart by taking drugs."