Frequent Cannabis Smoking Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke, NIH Study Finds
A recent observational study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found a significant link between frequent cannabis smoking and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed data from nearly 435,000 American adults, making it one of the largest studies to explore the relationship between cannabis use and cardiovascular events.
The study, supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), revealed that daily cannabis use, primarily through smoking, was associated with a 25% higher likelihood of heart attack and a 42% higher likelihood of stroke compared to non-users. Even less frequent use was found to increase the risk of cardiovascular events, with weekly users showing a 3% higher likelihood of heart attack and a 5% higher likelihood of stroke.
Interestingly, around 75% of the study respondents reported that they mainly used cannabis by smoking the drug. The remaining 25% reported using cannabis through other methods such as vaping, drinking, or eating the drug. According to Abra Jeffers, Ph.D., the corresponding author of the study, burning cannabis releases toxins similar to those found in tobacco smoke, which is known to be linked to heart disease. This study provides evidence that smoking cannabis may also be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
While the exact mechanisms connecting cannabis use to heart disease remain unclear and were not explored in this study, researchers suggest that multiple factors could play a role. In addition to toxins, endocannabinoid receptors, responsible for recognizing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, are widespread in the body’s cardiovascular tissues and might contribute to heart risks.
Cannabis consumption has significantly increased nationwide over the past two decades as negative perceptions of its use have declined. Currently, cannabis is legal for medicinal use in 38 states and for recreational use in 24 states in the United States. Previous studies have linked regular cannabis use to impaired brain development, lung damage, and certain cardiovascular diseases. However, there are still gaps in knowledge regarding the adverse effects of cannabis on the heart.
To gain a deeper understanding of the associations between cannabis use and health, the researchers utilized data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey included 434,104 adults aged 18-74 from 27 U.S. states and two territories. The respondents were predominantly white (60%), with approximately 12% being Black, 19% Hispanic, and 9% from other race/ethnicity groups.
The study evaluated the association between cannabis smoking and self-reported cardiovascular outcomes, including coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and a composite measure of all three. The researchers adjusted for participants’ tobacco use and other characteristics such as age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), obesity, diabetes, physical activity levels, and socioeconomic status.
David C. Goff, M.D., Ph.D., director of the NHLBI’s Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, emphasized the importance of this public health finding in reducing the burden of heart disease in the country. He suggested that healthcare professionals should inquire about patients’ cannabis use during routine medical exams or physicals to gather more information about the long-term effects of marijuana on the body.
The study was primarily funded by the NHLBI and received additional support from the National Cancer Institute. For a complete list of authors and funding disclosure, readers can refer to the full research article published in JAHA.
About the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI):
NHLBI is a global leader in conducting and supporting research on heart, lung, and blood diseases, as well as sleep disorders. Their mission is to advance scientific knowledge, improve public health, and save lives through their research efforts.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH):
NIH is the primary federal agency responsible for conducting and supporting medical research. Comprising 27 Institutes and Centers, NIH investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. Their goal is to turn discovery into health for the benefit of all individuals.
In conclusion, the NIH-funded study provides compelling evidence of the link between frequent cannabis smoking and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the potential adverse effects of cannabis on cardiovascular health, particularly as its use becomes more widespread. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to inquire about patients’ cannabis use during routine exams to gather more information about the long-term impact of marijuana on the body. Further research is needed to uncover the exact mechanisms behind this association and to develop strategies for mitigating the risks associated with cannabis use.
