Investigators reviewed survey data gathered from 430,000 adults from 2016 through 2020.
A Disturbing Link
A recent study involving 430,000 adults in the U.S. has uncovered a troubling association between cannabis use and an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke.
Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the research indicates that more frequent cannabis use, irrespective of the method (smoking, eating, or vaporizing), is significantly correlated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, even after adjusting for tobacco use and other cardiovascular risk factors.
Lead Researcher’s Insights
Lead study author Abra Jeffers, Ph.D., a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, highlighted the lack of understanding regarding the cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use.
Despite its widespread use, the study sheds light on the potential dangers posed by cannabis consumption, particularly concerning cardiovascular health.
Key Findings
The analysis, based on survey data collected between 2016 and 2020, unearthed several noteworthy findings:
- Increased Risk: Any level of cannabis use was independently linked to a higher incidence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Moreover, more frequent use was associated with elevated odds of adverse outcomes, even after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors.
- Daily Use: Both daily and non-daily cannabis users exhibited a heightened risk of heart attack compared to non-users, with daily users demonstrating a 25% higher likelihood of experiencing a heart attack.
- Stroke Risk: Daily cannabis users faced a 42% higher risk of stroke compared to non-users, with a lower risk observed among those who used cannabis less frequently than daily.
- Younger Adults: Among younger adults at risk of premature cardiovascular disease, cannabis use was significantly correlated with a 36% higher combined risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, irrespective of tobacco use.
Study Limitations
While the study provides valuable insights, it has limitations, including self-reported cardiovascular conditions and cannabis use, potential recall bias, and the absence of baseline health data such as lipid profile or blood pressure measurements.
Implications and Recommendations
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, emphasized the critical implications of the study for population health.
He urged practitioners to proactively assess cannabis use during patient encounters and engage in non-judgmental conversations about potential cardiovascular risks and strategies to mitigate them.
As cannabis legalization and access continue to expand, addressing the cardiovascular implications of cannabis use becomes increasingly imperative for public health.