Cannabis’s effect on the heart

Cannabis use could increase the risks of myocardial infarctions and other major adverse cardiovascular events.

In a study published in JACC: Advances, investigators examined major adverse cardiovascular events among less than 90,000 individuals who used cannabis and the same number of individuals who didn’t use cannabis with similar baseline health conditions and demographics. They excluded patients with comorbid conditions at baseline.

The investigators found that the individuals who used cannabis had a higher likelihood of experiencing myocardial infarctions, ischemic strokes, heart failure, other major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality compared with those who didn’t use the drug. The risk of myocardial infarctions was fivefold higher within one hour of cannabis consumption. Further, those who used cannabis had a higher prevalence of depressive disorders and obesity.

The investigators concluded that cannabis use should be considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor and that clinicians should discuss the risks of cannabis use with their patients.

Read more: JACC: Advances

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