Using Marijuana Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
A recent study conducted by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital has found that even occasional marijuana use can be associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that marijuana may have harmful effects on the cardiovascular system.
The researchers analyzed data from nearly 435,000 patients aged 18 to 74 to determine whether there was a link between marijuana use and the risk of heart disease, stroke, or heart attack. The data was collected from a behavioral risk factor survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 2016 and 2020.
The results showed that compared to individuals who had never used marijuana, daily cannabis users had a 25% higher likelihood of heart attacks and a 42% higher risk of strokes. Even those who used marijuana just once a week had a 3% increased likelihood of heart attacks and a 5% higher risk of strokes during the study period.
Lead researcher Abra Jeffers, a data scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital, stated that this study is one of the largest to demonstrate a connection between marijuana use and cardiovascular health in individuals who do not smoke tobacco. However, it remains unclear from the paper whether marijuana directly causes heart attacks and strokes or if individuals who are already at risk are more likely to use it.
In the past, studies examining the relationship between marijuana and heart problems have often been dismissed due to participants using both tobacco and marijuana products, making it difficult to determine which substance is truly responsible. However, Robert Page, a clinical pharmacist specializing in heart disease at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy, expressed concern about the emerging connections between marijuana consumption and heart health.
Page, who was the lead author of a comprehensive statement on cannabis released by the American Heart Association in 2020, compared the situation to the discovery of the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes in the 1950s and 1960s. He believes that history may be repeating itself with marijuana use.
Despite these findings, more rigorous studies are needed to draw firm conclusions. Conducting such research is challenging due to marijuana’s classification as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act. These studies would involve following individuals for an extended period and monitoring their marijuana use.
The study also found that the risks of heart attacks and strokes increased with the frequency of marijuana use, indicating a “dose-response relationship.” Dr. Deepak Bhatt, the director of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, who was not involved in the research, explained that this suggests that marijuana is likely the cause of these adverse outcomes.
Dr. Joseph Wu, the president of the American Heart Association and the director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, compared the dose-response relationship to that of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. He emphasized that just like with these substances, the more one uses marijuana, the higher the risk of problems due to its toxic nature.
The researchers concluded that individuals with pre-existing heart disease should avoid smoking marijuana altogether. This group accounts for an estimated 1 in 20 Americans. Dr. Wu stressed that it is crucial for Americans to be aware of the association between marijuana and heart problems, especially considering that 1 in 5 people over the age of 12 reported using marijuana in the last year, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
While smoking was the most common method of cannabis consumption in the study, it does not mean that edibles are necessarily safer. Dr. Bhatt explained that smoking makes substances more toxic, but consuming edibles does not guarantee safety either. Laboratory studies have shown that THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, can cause inflammation in blood vessels, indicating potential risks associated with edibles as well.
The exact reasons why smoking marijuana affects the cardiovascular system are not yet known. However, oxidative stress, abnormal heart rhythms, and platelet activation are among the potential factors. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play.
The study also found that among younger adults, cannabis use was significantly associated with a 36% higher combined odds of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, regardless of whether or not they also used traditional tobacco products. This finding raises concerns about the impact of marijuana on the cardiovascular health of young and otherwise healthy individuals.
Dr. Bhatt shared his observations from clinical practice, where he has seen cases of heart attacks in young adults with no apparent risk factors other than marijuana use. While acknowledging the popularity of marijuana, he emphasized that avoiding smoking it would be the smart choice, even if it may not be well-received by all.
In conclusion, the study provides compelling evidence linking marijuana use to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The findings highlight the importance of raising awareness about the potential cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana, especially as its use becomes more widespread. While more research is needed to fully understand the
