Using cannabis is not associated with an increased risk of heart attack among middle-aged adults, according to a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of California, San Diego, examined the relationship between cannabis use and physician-diagnosed myocardial infarction (heart attack) in a nationally representative group of approximately 10,000 middle-aged individuals.
The study found that compared to non-cannabis users, those who had consumed cannabis monthly for the past year were not at greater risk for a heart attack. This data was adjusted to account for potential confounders such as body mass index (BMI), alcohol and tobacco use, and physical activity.
Furthermore, the researchers discovered that even those who consistently used cannabis monthly for the past decade showed no greater risk for heart attack. However, they did identify an increased risk among former consumers who had recently quit using cannabis. This finding was unexpected and warrants further investigation.
This study is significant because it addresses concerns about the potential correlation between heart attacks and marijuana use. Cannabis has been known to increase blood pressure and heart rate, leading to concerns in the medical community. However, consistent data showing a danger have not been found.
A 2021 literature review published in the American Journal of Medicine also found that “marijuana itself does not appear to be independently associated with excessive cardiovascular risk factors.” However, the authors noted that it can be associated with other unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol use and tobacco smoking, which can be detrimental to heart health.
Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. On the other hand, moderate alcohol intake has been associated with a lower risk of dying from heart disease. The relationship between alcohol and cardiovascular health requires further clarification.
Smoking cigarettes is firmly linked to heart disease, emphasizing the importance of cutting out tobacco if cannabis users want to improve their heart health.
It’s worth noting that medical marijuana can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health conditions, when left untreated, can negatively impact heart health. Anxiety puts extra strain on the heart, and depression and PTSD have been tied to cardiovascular problems. Given the generally safe nature of cannabis and its low side effect profile, it is important to consider the benefits of using cannabis to treat these conditions and discuss them with a healthcare provider.
Overall, this study provides reassuring evidence that cannabis use is not associated with a greater risk of heart attack among middle-aged adults. However, more research, particularly longitudinal and experimental studies, is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabis on cardiovascular health.
