A recent study has uncovered a startling link between marijuana use and cardiovascular health, particularly among young adults. The research indicates that individuals under the age of 50 who consume cannabis are approximately six times more likely to experience a heart attack compared to their non-using counterparts. This finding has significant implications for public health, especially as cannabis use becomes increasingly prevalent in many regions.
The study, which analyzed data from over 4.6 million participants, found that cannabis users under 50 not only face a heightened risk of heart attacks but are also four times more likely to suffer ischemic strokes and twice as likely to experience heart failure. Moreover, these users have a threefold increased risk of death from cardiovascular-related events, including heart attacks and strokes.
Dr. Ibrahim Kamel, the lead author and a clinical instructor at Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of considering cannabis use when assessing cardiovascular health. “Asking about cannabis use should be part of clinicians’ workup to understand patients’ overall cardiovascular risk, similar to asking about smoking cigarettes,” Dr. Kamel noted.
The study’s findings are part of a broader trend highlighting the potential cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use. Another meta-analysis, which pooled data from 12 previous studies involving over 75 million people, found that active cannabis users are 1.5 times more likely to have a heart attack compared to non-users.
While the exact mechanisms behind cannabis’s impact on heart health are still unclear, researchers speculate that it may involve changes in heart rhythm, increased oxygen demand by the heart muscle, or difficulties in blood vessel relaxation and expansion. Dr. Kamel cautioned that cannabis use often coincides with other substances, which could further elevate cardiovascular risks and were not accounted for in the study.
As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the United States, Dr. Kamel stressed the need for public awareness about these risks. “At a policy level, a fair warning should be made so that the people who are consuming cannabis know that there are risks,” he advised.
In light of these findings, healthcare professionals are urging patients to be transparent about their cannabis use during medical evaluations. “Patients should be honest with their doctors and remember that we are their primary advocates, and having a complete understanding of their situation is crucial,” Dr. Kamel emphasized.
