A recent study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that regularly smoking marijuana can significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Experts analyzed data from about 435,000 American adults, making it one of the most extensive studies examining the link between cannabis use and cardiovascular health.

Key discoveries about cannabis and heart attacks

The study, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), found that daily cannabis consumption, primarily through smoking, was associated with a 25% higher chance of heart attack and a lower chance of stroke than those who did not consume cannabis. The results show that there is a correlation with 42% higher Avoid cannabis.

Even occasional use of cannabis was associated with an increased risk of these cardiovascular events, with weekly use increasing the chance of heart attack and stroke by 3% and 5%, respectively.

About three-quarters of participants said they ingested cannabis by smoking, but about a quarter used other methods, such as vaping or ingesting it.

Cardiovascular diseases and their underlying mechanisms

“We know that when cannabis is burned, it releases toxins similar to those found in cigarette smoke,” said lead author Abra Jeffers, a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

“While it has long been known that cigarette smoking is associated with heart disease, this study shows that cannabis smoking also appears to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. This is proof that.”

The study shows that the direct mechanism by which cannabis contributes to heart disease remains unclear, but may include the release of toxins and the endocannabinoid receptors in cardiovascular tissues that interact with THC (cannabis’ main psychoactive ingredient). It has been pointed out that factors such as the presence of important role.

Its consumption has increased significantly over the past two decades as cannabis has become widely accepted and legalized in many states for both medical and recreational purposes.

Heart attack and the importance of cannabis

While some studies have linked regular cannabis use to negative health effects such as impaired brain development, lung damage, and cardiovascular disease, there is no comprehensive knowledge of cannabis’ effects on heart health. is missing.

To further investigate the association between cannabis use and health outcomes, Jeffers and her team analyzed data from 2016 to 2020 from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). . This study involved a diverse group of adults from across the United States.

“This is an important public health discovery, especially given our continued efforts to reduce the burden of heart disease in this country,” said Nelson, director of the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at NHLBI. said David C. Goff.

“Ask patients about marijuana use during routine check-ups and physical exams, just as they are asked about tobacco use, can help us learn more about the long-term effects of marijuana on the body. Jeffers concluded.

Research results: Learn more

As discussed above, the “Association of Cannabis Use and Cardiovascular Disease in U.S. Adults” study closely analyzed the effects of smoking, dietary, and vaporized cannabis use on cardiovascular disease.

It was found that cannabis use in any form was independently associated with increased rates of adverse cardiovascular events such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and stroke.

Marijuana smoking frequency and heart attack risk

Notably, even after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors such as tobacco or e-cigarette use, alcohol intake, BMI, type 2 diabetes, and physical activity level, the frequency of cannabis use was significantly associated with these harmful effects. It further increased the probability of encountering the consequences.

Interestingly, the study found that both occasional and daily cannabis users had a higher risk of heart attack than non-users. In particular, it was shown that daily users are 25% more likely to experience a heart attack.

When it came to risk of stroke, daily cannabis users were 42% more likely than non-users, but the risk decreased slightly with infrequent use.

A key part of the study focused on young people at risk for early-onset cardiovascular disease: men under 55 and women under 65. In this group, cannabis use was strongly associated with a 36% increase in the combined risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

This association holds true regardless of the use of traditional tobacco products. A detailed analysis of this subgroup of adults who had never smoked cigarettes or used nicotine e-cigarettes still found a notable association between cannabis use and increased cardiovascular risk. Served.

Impact and considerations

The study looked at participants between the ages of 18 and 74, with an average age of 45. Approximately half of the participants were women, and the ethnic composition of respondents was diverse.

Remarkably, almost 90% of adults surveyed did not use cannabis at all, demonstrating the prevalence of non-use. Smoking was found to be the most common consumption method among current cannabis users.

This study highlights the importance of being aware of the potential cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use.

As cannabis becomes more popular and traditional tobacco use decreases, understanding the health effects of cannabis is of paramount importance to both users and healthcare providers.

The findings suggest that individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease, especially young people, should exercise caution and seek medical advice when considering cannabis use.

In summary, while cannabis may offer certain benefits, its effects on cardiovascular health cannot be ignored.

As research in this field continues to evolve, continued research is essential to further elucidate the complex relationship between cannabis use and cardiovascular disease and guide public health policy and individual choices.

This research American Heart Association Journal.

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