The association between marijuana use and instances of heart attacks and strokes is gaining more evidence

Marijuana Use on the Rise, But Does It Increase Heart Risks?

Though many Americans view marijuana as safe, a recently published study reveals a connection between marijuana use and a heightened risk of heart problems, even among younger individuals. The research, featured in the journal Heart, suggests a twofold increase in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a higher propensity for stroke and heart attacks in marijuana users.

Though this study can't definitively determine causation, it's well-known that marijuana can impact heart health. As explained by Dr. Ersilia DeFilippis of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, the drug can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and alter the heart's rhythm. Previous research also indicates a correlation between marijuana and heart issues.

As more U.S. states legalize marijuana for recreational use and a greater percentage of Americans (15% in 2022) report using it, experts caution that marijuana is not entirely harmless and should be approached with caution.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Older adults and people with preexisting heart issues or conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol are most susceptible, as their cardiovascular systems are already fragile and marijuana can further strain the heart. Still, the new analysis reveals that marijuana raises risks for younger individuals as well.

Approximately 7% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older used marijuana in the past month in 2023, but the average age of patients involved in the study was only 38.

How Much Marijuana is Too Much?

The study didn't determine how frequently people used marijuana, only comparing users with non-users. However, experts speculate that more frequent use likely increases the risk of cardiovascular problems. One study suggested that weekly use was associated with a 3% higher risk of heart attack and a 5% higher risk of stroke compared to non-users, while daily use increased the likelihood of a heart attack by 25% and the risk of stroke by 42%. There is limited data on the risk associated with less frequent use.

The risks seem most prevalent with long-term exposure, but short-term risks can occur as well. For instance, a 2001 study suggested that heart attack risk peaks within an hour of smoking marijuana.

Ways to Lower Risk

Dr. Salomeh Keyhani of UCSF advises marijuana users to consume infrequently and select products with the lowest possible THC concentration. She and other experts also suggest avoiding inhaling marijuana, as inhaling chemicals more deeply into the lungs may pose greater risks.

Though research is still ongoing, experts generally agree that there's sufficient evidence to be cautious about marijuana and heart health. To mitigate risks, users are encouraged to consult their doctors, particularly those at increased heart disease risk, and consider purchasing marijuana from licensed dispensaries for better regulation of potency and purity.

Marijuana and Cardiovascular Issues: Deeper Insights

The connection between marijuana use and heart problems can be attributed to several physiological and behavioral factors.

Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation: Marijuana consumption has been linked to endothelial dysfunction, impairing the inner lining of blood vessels, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. These changes contribute to coronary microvascular dysfunction and plaque destabilization, which heighten the risk of heart problems such as heart attacks.
Vascular Function Reduction: Chronic cannabis use significantly reduces vascular function, similar to the vascular decline caused by tobacco smoking. This reduction in vascular function increases the risks of heart attack, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Increased Incidence of Acute Coronary Events: Young adults under 50 appear to be disproportionately affected by acute coronary syndrome related to cannabis use, particularly daily users and those consuming high-THC products.
Other Physiological Effects: Marijuana's active compound, THC, causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), tachycardia (increased heart rate), oxidative stress, inflammation, and platelet activation. These combined effects increase oxygen demand and the likelihood of clot formation and atherosclerosis, heightening the risks of sudden cardiac events in young, otherwise healthy individuals.
Elevated Risks of Serious Cardiovascular Outcomes: Cannabis use is associated with a doubling of the risk of cardiovascular disease-related death, a 29% increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (including heart attacks), and a 20% increase in stroke risk.

The research in the journal Heart suggests that marijuana use increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke among users, but the study doesn't definitively determine causation.
Older adults, people with preexisting heart conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol, and younger individuals are all found to be at risk of cardiovascular problems due to marijuana use, according to the new analysis.
The study did not determine how frequently people used marijuana, but experts speculate that more frequent use likely increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, with daily use potentially increasing the likelihood of a heart attack by 25% and the risk of stroke by 42%.
To mitigate the risks associated with marijuana use and heart health, experts recommend consuming marijuana infrequently, choosing products with the lowest THC concentration, avoiding inhaling marijuana, and consulting a doctor, especially for those at increased heart disease risk.

The association between marijuana use and instances of heart attacks and strokes is gaining more evidence