Summary of New Research Links Frequent Marijuana Use to Heart Disease:
Daily marijuana use is associated with a one-third higher risk of developing coronary artery disease compared to those who have never used the drug, according to a study to be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session. The study is one of the largest and most comprehensive to examine the potential long-term cardiovascular implications of using cannabis. The findings highlight that people should take into account the potential harms of cannabis use when deciding to use the drug. The study did not differentiate between the different forms of cannabis use, such as smoking or consuming edibles.
*****
Daily Marijuana Use and Coronary Artery Disease
Daily marijuana use has been associated with a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to those who have never used cannabis, according to a groundbreaking study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Scientific Session in March of 2023. This study could potentially raise doubts about the use of marijuana as a recreational drug.
CAD is a prevalent form of heart disease that occurs when the arteries that provide blood to the heart are narrowed due to cholesterol buildup, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The study’s lead author and resident physician at Stanford University, Ishan Paranjpe, posited that cannabis use seems to be linked to CAD, with a dose-response relationship indicating that more frequent marijuana use may increase CAD risk.
Despite some previous studies reporting a mixed relationship between cannabis and heart disease, this study is among the largest and most comprehensive in defining the long-term cardiovascular implications of frequent marijuana use. Researchers analyzed the All of Us Research Program data of 175,000 individuals, looking for a relationship between cannabis use frequency and rates of CAD. Findings showed that people who used cannabis daily were 34% more likely to develop CAD than those who had never used marijuana.
Furthermore, the study used Mendelian randomization, a genetics-based approach, to establish a causal relationship between cannabis use disorder and CAD risk using data from an independent genetics consortium. The research discovered that people with cannabis use disorder were more likely to develop CAD, indicating that there may be several harms associated with chronic marijuana use that were not previously acknowledged.
Through statistical analysis, it was revealed that monthly cannabis use did not result in a significant increase in CAD risk, making it appear that there might be a threshold of marijuana use beyond which the harmful effects on heart health become statistically significant.
Scientists understand that THC, the psychoactive molecule in cannabis, interacts with receptors found in both the central nervous system and heart and blood vessels. This interaction allows these receptors to promote inflammation and the buildup of plaque, leading to CAD. Given these findings, it is essential for people to recognize the potential harm of cannabis use and to inform their doctor of their marijuana use, ensuring that clinicians monitor their heart health appropriately.
To better understand the complex molecular pathways associated with cannabis use and heart disease, the study’s researchers hope these findings could open new avenues for interventions to prevent and treat heart disease. However, the study did not differentiate between different forms of cannabis consumption, suggesting that future studies should consider examining the health implications of smoking or ingesting marijuana.
Overall, this study’s findings could lead to doubt regarding the use of marijuana as a recreational drug. While some states have legalized or decriminalized the recreational use of marijuana, people must recognize the potential harm, particularly regarding heart health, and seek medical advice concerning cannabis use.
Comments are closed