Tejal Somvanshi
Recent studies reveal a worrying connection between cannabis use and heart problems, especially for younger adults. Research presented at the American College of Cardiology shows cannabis users under 50 face significantly higher risks of serious heart issues compared to non-users.
The Startling Numbers
The evidence is clear and concerning. Cannabis users under 50 are about 6.2 times more likely to have a heart attack than their non-using peers, according to a comprehensive study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The research examined over 4.6 million people under 50, with 93,000 identified as cannabis users.
These same users face 4.3 times higher risk of stroke and double the chance of experiencing heart failure. What makes these findings particularly alarming is that researchers specifically excluded people with common heart risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or tobacco use.
“Until we have more solid data, I advise users to try to somehow put some regulation in the using of cannabis,” said Ahmed Mahmoud, lead researcher and clinical instructor at Boston University. “We are not sure if it’s totally, 100% safe for your heart by any amount or any duration of exposure.”
How Cannabis Affects Your Heart
While research is still developing, scientists believe cannabis may damage the inner lining of coronary arteries. Mahmoud explains: “Cannabis increases blood pressure and makes blood run very fast and make some defects in the lining to the coronary arteries, this somehow could make a thrombosis [blood clot] or a temporary thrombosis in these arteries.”
This process can lead to cardiac ischemia (when heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen) and ultimately result in a heart attack.
Some experts, including retired professor Stanton Glantz from the University of California, believe smoking cannabis may affect the cardiovascular system similarly to tobacco. When smoking either substance, blood becomes contaminated with chemicals that can damage heart and blood vessels.
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Growing Evidence of Risk
A separate meta-analysis examined 12 studies involving more than 75 million participants – the largest combined investigation into cannabis and heart attacks. This research confirmed that regular cannabis users have approximately a 50% higher risk of heart attacks.
The timing matters too. One study found the risk peaks within just one hour after cannabis use.
Dr. Ibrahim Kamel, clinical instructor at Boston University, emphasizes: “Asking about cannabis use should be part of clinicians’ workup to understand patients’ overall cardiovascular risk, similar to asking about smoking cigarettes.”
Beyond Heart Attacks
The dangers extend beyond just heart attacks. Cannabis use is linked to:
- Ischemic strokes
- Heart failure
- Cardiovascular death (three times more likely)
- Arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation
Who’s Most at Risk?
The research highlights that younger adults without pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable. This contradicts common assumptions that heart problems primarily affect older adults or those with existing health conditions.
Healthcare Response
Medical experts now recommend that doctors routinely ask about cannabis use when assessing heart health risks. Dr. Jasdeep Dalawari, an Illinois-based interventional cardiologist, advises his patients to quit smoking all substances.
“I advise all my patients to quit smoking all substances, because we do know that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of a cardiac event, and it’s reasonable to assume that smoking marijuana presents a similar risk,” he stated.
What Cannabis Users Should Know
If you use cannabis, experts suggest:
- Consider reducing or eliminating use
- If continuing use, edibles or oils may be safer than smoking (though research isn’t conclusive)
- Be honest with healthcare providers about usage
- Be aware that synthetic cannabis might pose even greater risks
As cannabis legalization spreads, public health messaging about these cardiovascular risks remains insufficient. Many experts now advocate for warning labels on cannabis products, similar to those on tobacco.
