New Studies Reveal Alarming Risk of Heart Failure and Stroke Associated with Regular Marijuana Use
Recent research has unveiled concerning findings about the potential impact of regular marijuana use on heart health, raising the risk of heart failure and stroke, even when considering other health conditions. This highlights the urgent need for extensive research and increased awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the possible cardiovascular risks of cannabis use.
The growing popularity of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes across the United States has prompted two new studies looking at how its regular consumption may affect heart and brain health.
In one study, individuals who used marijuana daily were found to have a 34% increased risk of developing heart failure compared to those who reported never using marijuana. This was even after accounting for other heart failure risk factors. The second study discovered that older individuals with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol who used marijuana had a significantly higher risk of experiencing major heart or brain events while hospitalized compared to non-users of marijuana.
The results of these preliminary studies underscore the necessity for further investigation into the potential health implications of marijuana use. The two studies will be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023, a premier global scientific event focused on the latest advancements in cardiovascular science.
As the use of marijuana, or cannabis, becomes more widespread in the U.S. due to legalization in various states, the impact of marijuana on heart and brain health remains an area of significant uncertainty. However, these new studies are shedding light on the potential risks associated with regular marijuana use, particularly concerning heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.
The findings from the “All of Us” Research Program, involving over 150,000 adults, indicated that daily marijuana use was linked to a significantly higher risk of developing heart failure. The researchers emphasized the importance of studying the health implications of marijuana use to provide accurate information to the public and guide healthcare policy decisions.
The second study, based on a nationwide hospitalization database, focused on older adults with cardiovascular risk factors and found that those who used cannabis had a higher chance of experiencing major heart or brain events while hospitalized compared to non-users.
While these studies provide valuable insights, more research on the long-term effects of cannabis use is needed to fully understand its impact on heart and brain health. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to include questions about cannabis use in patient history to better address its potential risks.
In light of these discoveries, it is essential for individuals to be aware of the potential cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana use, and for healthcare providers to remain vigilant in their assessment of patients’ marijuana consumption. These two studies are just the beginning of a broader effort to understand the complex relationship between marijuana use and cardiovascular health.
