Marijuana use linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke
A recent study found that people who use cannabis, also known as marijuana, face a higher risk of heart problems, even if they don’t use tobacco or have other heart-related risks. The research, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, revealed that cannabis users may be more susceptible to cardiovascular issues.
Dr. Abra Jeffers, the lead author of the study and a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, highlighted that despite cannabis being widely used, we still know little about its risks, especially concerning heart diseases. She mentioned that the perception of cannabis as harmless is increasing, and people may not be aware of the potential dangers to their health.
Moreover, Dr. Jeffers pointed out that smoking cannabis, the most common method of use, could bring additional risks because inhaling particulate matter might have adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels.
More and more people in the U.S. are using marijuana, especially since it’s become legal for recreational use in many states. However, a recent study found that using marijuana, even if you don’t smoke tobacco or have other heart-related issues, may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The researchers looked at data from over 400,000 adults from 2016 to 2020. They found that using marijuana, especially daily, was linked to a 25% higher chance of having a heart attack and a 42% higher chance of having a stroke compared to those who didn’t use it. The study also showed that smoking marijuana, similar to smoking tobacco, poses significant risks to heart health.
Even in younger adults under 55 and women under 65 who were at risk for heart disease, using marijuana increased the combined odds for heart-related issues by 36%, regardless of tobacco use. The study suggests that as marijuana use becomes more common, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to discuss potential heart risks with patients and find ways to reduce those risks.
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