Regular Marijuana use linked with increased risk of heart attack and heart failure

Regular use of marijuana may increase the risk of heart failure, stroke or heart attack, studies have shown

The two preliminary studies by separate research groups say  marijuana also accounts for other cardiovascular risk factors such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

“The use of marijuana, medically known as cannabis, is gaining popularity across the US as more states legalise it for recreational and medical use,” the studies showed.

How marijuana affects the heart and brain health is however still not completely known.

The researchers focused on the relationship between lifestyle, biology and environment in diverse populations and analysed the association between daily use of marijuana and heart failure.

“Prior research shows links between marijuana use and cardiovascular disease like coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, which is known to cause heart failure,” lead study author Yakubu Bene-Alhasan said.

“Marijuana use is not without its health concerns, and our study provides more data linking its use to cardiovascular conditions.”

Bene-Alhasan and colleagues followed 156,999 individuals who were free from heart failure at the time they enrolled in the research program.

Study participants completed a survey about the frequency of their marijuana use and were followed for nearly four years (45 months).

The analysis was adjusted to account for individual demographic and economic factors, alcohol use and smoking.

This is in addition to other cardiovascular risk factors linked with heart failure, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.

The analysis found out that during the study period, 2,958 people (almost two per cent) developed heart failure.

“People who reported daily marijuana use had a 34 per cent increased risk of developing heart failure, compared to those who reported never using marijuana. This risk was the same regardless of age, sex at birth or smoking history,” the studies stated.

In a secondary analysis, when coronary artery disease was added to the investigation, the risk of heart failure dropped from 34 per cent to 27 per cent.

This suggests that coronary artery disease is a pathway through which daily marijuana use may lead to heart failure.

The studies will be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023.

The meeting which will be held from Saturday to Monday is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements.

Latest research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science will also be featured at the meeting.

“Our results should encourage more researchers to study the use of marijuana to better understand its health implications, especially on cardiovascular risk," Bene-Alhasan said.

"We want to provide the population with high-quality information on marijuana use and help inform policy decisions at the state level, to educate patients and guide healthcare professionals."

Lead study author Avilash Mondal, who is a resident physician at Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia said there is need to be mindful about major heart and stroke events in older adults with cannabis use disorder.

“At this point, we need more studies to understand the long-term effects of cannabis use. Health care professionals should include the question, ‘Are you using cannabis?’ when taking a patient’s history," he said.

"If you ask patients if they are smoking, people think of cigarette smoking. The main public message is to be more aware of the increased risks and open the lines of communication so that cannabis use is acknowledged and considered,” Mondal said.