New Study Links Marijuana Use to Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
A new study has found a significant link between marijuana use and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even among individuals with no existing heart conditions and who do not smoke or vape tobacco. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, reveals that both daily and non-daily users of marijuana face a higher risk of heart attack and stroke compared to nonusers. However, the risk is particularly elevated for daily users, with a 42% increase in stroke risk and a 25% increase in the risk of heart attack as the number of days of marijuana use rises.
Lead study author Abra Jeffers, a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital, highlights the similarity between cannabis smoke and tobacco smoke, stating that “cannabis smoke is not all that different from tobacco smoke, except for the psychoactive drug: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) vs. nicotine.” Jeffers emphasizes the importance of the study’s findings, especially given the increasing use of cannabis and the decreasing use of conventional tobacco.
The study’s findings align with previous research that has also linked daily marijuana use to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Robert Page II, a professor of clinical pharmacy and physical medicine at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, who was not involved in this study but chaired a volunteer writing group for a 2020 scientific statement on marijuana use and cardiovascular health, emphasizes the implications of these findings for population health. He states that the study adds to the growing literature suggesting that cannabis use and cardiovascular disease may be a potentially hazardous combination.
The study analyzed data from 430,000 adults collected between 2016 and 2020 through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a national phone survey conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 74, with an average age of 45. The majority of adults did not use marijuana, while more than 63% had never used tobacco. Among current marijuana users, smoking was the most common form of consumption, with nearly 74% reporting it as their preferred method. Daily users accounted for 4% of marijuana users, while 7% used marijuana less than daily. It is worth noting that almost 29% of daily marijuana users and 44% of non-daily users had never used tobacco cigarettes.
The study also highlights the increased risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke among younger adults who use marijuana, regardless of whether they also use traditional tobacco products. Previous research has already established a link between heart disease and marijuana use. A study conducted in February 2023 revealed that using marijuana every day can raise the risk of coronary artery disease by one-third compared to those who never use it. Additionally, two studies published in November found that older adults who use marijuana but do not smoke tobacco are at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke when hospitalized, while daily marijuana users have a 34% increased likelihood of developing heart failure.
The rise in marijuana use among older adults is also a concerning trend. A study conducted in 2020 found that the number of American seniors over 65 who smoke marijuana or use edibles has doubled between 2015 and 2018. Given these findings, the American Heart Association advises individuals to refrain from smoking or vaping any substance, including cannabis products, due to the potential harm they pose to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
In conclusion, this new study adds to the growing body of evidence linking marijuana use to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The findings emphasize the need for individuals to be aware of the risks associated with cannabis use and treat it as they would any other risk factor for cardiovascular disease. As marijuana use continues to rise, it is crucial for both healthcare practitioners and the general public to understand the potential hazards and make informed decisions regarding its use.
