New Study Links Cannabis Use to Higher Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke, Regardless of Tobacco Use

Cannabis Associated with Higher Odds of Cardiovascular Health Issues

More frequent use of cannabis has been found to be associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The study, which involved an analysis of survey data for 430,000 adults in the United States, emphasizes the need for awareness regarding the cardiovascular effects of cannabis use.

The study, based on a large-scale analysis of 430,000 adults in the United States, concluded that the use of cannabis, predominantly through smoking, eating, or vaporizing, was significantly associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke even after accounting for tobacco use and other cardiovascular risk factors. The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, a reputable open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

In recent years, cannabis use has become more prevalent, with 24 states and Washington, D.C. legalizing its use for recreational purposes. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported a significant increase in cannabis use in the United States, with 48.2 million people aged 12 or older having used cannabis at least once in 2019, compared to 25.8 million people in 2002. The study’s findings highlight the need for further research on the risks associated with cannabis use, particularly regarding cardiovascular health.

Study Methodology and Results

The study examined survey data collected from 430,000 adults between 2016 and 2020 to investigate the association between cannabis use and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. The data was obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an annual survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The researchers analyzed the relationship between cannabis use and cardiovascular health outcomes in different populations, factoring in both the overall adult population and those at risk for heart disease.

• The analysis found a significant association between cannabis use and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, with higher odds observed among more frequent users. These results remained consistent after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors, including tobacco and e-cigarette use, alcohol consumption, body mass index, type 2 diabetes, and physical activity.

• Daily cannabis users were found to have a 25% higher risk of heart attack compared to non-users, while daily users were also associated with a 42% higher risk of stroke. However, lower risk of stroke was observed among those who used cannabis less frequently.

• Among younger adults at risk for premature cardiovascular disease, cannabis use was significantly associated with a 36% higher combined risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, regardless of tobacco use. Furthermore, individuals who had never used tobacco products also showed an increased risk of cardiovascular disease if they used cannabis.

Implications for Public Health

The findings of this study have important implications for population health and should be a call to action for practitioners and clinicians. The results corroborate previous studies suggesting that cannabis use, particularly through smoking, carries risks similar to those associated with tobacco use. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to assess cannabis use during patient encounters and engage individuals in non-judgmental discussions regarding potential cardiovascular risks and strategies for risk reduction. The increasing legalization and accessibility of cannabis further underscore the need for comprehensive research in this area.

Reference: Association of Cannabis Use With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Adults. Journal of the American Heart Association. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.123.030178