New Research Links Cannabis Use to Increased Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found a concerning link between cannabis use and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The research suggests that using cannabis, whether through smoking, eating, or vaping, can raise the risk for cardiovascular problems, regardless of whether individuals also use tobacco products or have other underlying cardiovascular risk factors.
Lead study author Dr. Abra Jeffers, a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, highlighted the lack of knowledge regarding the risks of cannabis use, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease. She noted that perceptions of the harmfulness of smoking cannabis are decreasing, and many people do not consider cannabis use dangerous to their health. However, this study sheds light on the potential dangers associated with cannabis use, especially when it comes to smoking it.
The number of people using marijuana has significantly increased in recent decades in the United States, where recreational use has been legalized in 24 states and the District of Columbia. In 2019, a federal survey revealed that nearly 48 million people aged 12 and older reported using marijuana at least once, almost double the number from 2002. Despite this, marijuana use remains illegal at the federal level.
Previous research on the link between marijuana use and heart attacks or strokes has been limited due to various factors. The number of frequent marijuana smokers is relatively low, most studies have focused on younger populations with low cardiovascular disease risk, and many marijuana users also use tobacco products, making it difficult to isolate the effects of marijuana alone.
To overcome these limitations, researchers analyzed survey data from over 434,000 U.S. adults between 2016 and 2020. They investigated whether the number of days of cannabis use in the past 30 days was associated with self-reported cardiovascular outcomes, including coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. The study included both the general adult population and individuals who had never smoked tobacco or used e-cigarettes. The researchers also examined these associations among men under 55 and women under 65 who were at risk for heart disease.
The findings revealed that any marijuana use was linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, with those who used it most frequently having the highest odds. Adults who used marijuana daily had a 25% higher chance of experiencing a heart attack and a 42% higher chance of stroke compared to non-users. Smoking was the most common method of cannabis use, followed by eating or vaping.
Among men under 55 and women under 65, marijuana use resulted in a 36% higher combined odds for coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, regardless of whether they also used tobacco products. These odds remained higher even when the researchers focused solely on individuals who had never used tobacco products or e-cigarettes.
Dr. Jeffers emphasized that cannabis smoke is not significantly different from tobacco smoke, except for the psychoactive drug present. The study’s findings highlight the significant cardiovascular risks associated with smoking cannabis, similar to smoking tobacco. This is particularly important as cannabis use continues to increase while conventional tobacco use decreases.
Dr. Robert L. Page II, who chaired the writing group for a 2020 American Heart Association scientific statement on marijuana’s effects on cardiovascular health, commented on the new findings. He stated that these results should serve as a “call to action for all practitioners” regarding the potentially hazardous combination of cannabis use and cardiovascular risks. Dr. Page emphasized the importance of assessing cannabis use during patient encounters to have open conversations about potential risks and ways to mitigate them.
In conclusion, this new research adds to the growing body of evidence linking cannabis use to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. It highlights the need for further education and awareness regarding the potential dangers associated with cannabis use, particularly when it comes to smoking. As cannabis use becomes more prevalent, healthcare practitioners must prioritize discussions about cannabis use and its potential cardiovascular risks to ensure the well-being of their patients.
