Cannabis Use Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The study, which analyzed survey data from 430,000 adults in the United States, highlights the need for awareness of the cardiovascular effects of cannabis.
The researchers discovered that more frequent use of cannabis was linked to higher odds of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The most common method of cannabis use among the participants was smoking, followed by eating or vaporizing it. Even after controlling for tobacco use and other cardiovascular risk factors, the association between cannabis use and heart attack and stroke remained significant.
Lead study author Abra Jeffers, Ph.D., a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, emphasized the importance of understanding the risks associated with cannabis use. “Despite common use, little is known about the risks of cannabis use and, in particular, the cardiovascular disease risks,” said Jeffers. “The perceptions of the harmfulness of smoking cannabis are decreasing, and people have not considered cannabis use dangerous to their health.”
The study analyzed data collected from 2016 to 2020 through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a national survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The researchers specifically looked at the association between cannabis use and adverse cardiovascular outcomes among different groups of adults.
The results showed that any cannabis use, whether smoked, eaten, or vaporized, was independently associated with a higher number of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The risk was even higher for those who used cannabis more frequently. Daily cannabis users had a 25% higher odds of heart attack compared to non-users, while the odds of stroke were 42% higher for daily users.
Among younger adults at risk for premature cardiovascular disease, cannabis use was significantly associated with a 36% higher combined odds of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. This association remained regardless of whether or not they also used traditional tobacco products.
The study’s findings have important implications for public health. As cannabis use becomes more prevalent and accessible across the United States, it is crucial for healthcare practitioners to assess cannabis use and have open conversations with patients about potential cardiovascular risks.
Robert L. Page II, Pharm.D., M.S.P.H., FAHA, chair of the volunteer writing group for the 2020 American Heart Association Scientific Statement on Medical Marijuana, Recreational Cannabis, and Cardiovascular Health, emphasized the need for practitioners to address cannabis use with their patients. “As cannabis use continues to grow in legality and access across the U.S., practitioners and clinicians need to remember to assess cannabis use at each patient encounter in order to have a non-judgmental, shared decision conversation about potential cardiovascular risks and ways to reduce those risks,” said Page.
It is important to note that this study had some limitations, including self-reported cardiovascular conditions and cannabis use, which may be subject to recall bias. Additionally, the study only captured data at a single point in time for the participants. Further research, particularly prospective cohort studies, is needed to examine the long-term association between cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the potential risks of cannabis use on heart health. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the cardiovascular effects of cannabis and having open conversations with healthcare professionals about potential risks and ways to mitigate them. As cannabis use becomes more widespread, it is crucial to prioritize public health and ensure that individuals are well-informed about the potential hazards associated with cannabis use.
