The Dangers of Marijuana: Increased Risk of Heart Attack, Heart Failure, and Stroke Revealed by Studies
Marijuana use among older adults is linked to an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, as shown by recent studies Daily users face a 34% higher chance of developing heart failure These findings highlight the growing concern surrounding chronic conditions and weed
Older adults who refrain from smoking tobacco but instead consume marijuana face an elevated risk of experiencing heart attack and stroke during their hospitalization. Additionally, individuals who consume marijuana on a daily basis are 34% more prone to developing heart failure. These findings were reported on Monday at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia, supported by two unpublished studies.
Man smoking a marijuana joint
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According to a recent study, it has been discovered that a significant number of Americans hold the misconception that being exposed to marijuana smoke is less harmful than tobacco smoke. The study also reveals that the use of cannabis, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, can potentially result in the onset of cardiovascular disease. This finding was emphasized by Robert Page II, the chair of the volunteer writing group responsible for the 2020 American Heart Association Scientific Statement: Medical Marijuana, Recreational Cannabis, and Cardiovascular Health. It is essential to note that Page II was not directly involved in the two studies being referenced.
The AHA recommendations advise against smoking or vaping any substance, including cannabis products, due to the potential harm they can cause to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
According to Page, a professor at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, recent research on cannabis use shows that smoking and inhaling cannabis can lead to increased levels of blood carboxyhemoglobin (carbon monoxide), tar (partially burned combustible matter), similar to the effects of inhaling tobacco smoke. These effects have been associated with heart muscle disease, chest pain, heart rhythm disturbances, heart attacks, and other serious health conditions.
"You need to treat this just like you would any other risk factor (for heart disease and stroke), and honestly understand the risks that you were taking," he said.
Marijuana use by the elderly is rising, but many not be aware of the cardiovascular risks, experts said.
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The prevalence of marijuana use among older adults has been steadily increasing. According to a study conducted in 2020, there has been a significant two-fold increase in the number of senior Americans aged over 65 who engage in smoking marijuana or consuming edibles between 2015 and 2018. Additionally, a study projected for 2023 revealed a staggering 450% surge in binge drinking and marijuana use in the over-65 population within the period of 2015 to 2019.
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Nearly 30% of marijuana users experience a dependence on cannabis known as cannabis use disorder. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as food cravings, decreased appetite, irritability, restlessness, and difficulties with mood and sleep after stopping marijuana usage, as stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. When a person is unable to stop using weed despite it negatively impacting various areas of their life, marijuana use evolves into an addiction.
The impact of marijuana seems to be exacerbated in older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, who have multiple chronic conditions. This observation is based on a study analyzing hospital records of seniors with cannabis use disorder but without a history of tobacco smoking.
"What sets our study apart is the exclusion of patients who were using tobacco. Cannabis and tobacco are often used in conjunction, so by specifically examining cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes, we were able to provide unique insights," explained Dr. Avilash Mondal, the lead author of the study and a resident physician at Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia. Apologies for missing that.
A person can be seen smoking marijuana for recreational purposes in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn, New York City, on April 14, 2020. While some individuals use cannabis to relieve stress amid the coronavirus pandemic, medical professionals caution that it can lead to inflammation in the airways, potentially leading to complications if the user contracts COVID-19. PHOTO: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Cannabis use disorder is prevalent in a state where marijuana is legalized. Research indicates that out of the 8,535 adults who engaged in marijuana abuse, there was a 20% greater likelihood of experiencing a significant cardiovascular or neurological event while hospitalized, in comparison to over 10 million older hospitalized adults who refrained from using marijuana.
Both individuals who abuse marijuana and those who do not use it had already received a diagnosis of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. The study revealed that marijuana users who had high blood pressure readings above 130/80 mm Hg and high cholesterol were more likely to experience significant adverse events affecting the heart and brain.
"We are aware that using marijuana in the short term can cause a drop in blood pressure, particularly when it is vaped or smoked. This factor contributes to understanding the potential stroke risk," explained Page. "However, what is interesting is that long-term daily cannabis use has actually been linked to an increase in blood pressure, which consequently becomes a risk factor for various other cardiovascular conditions."
The risk of heart failure increased in a study involving approximately 160,000 adults, whose median age was 54, over a period of four years. The study aimed to determine if the use of cannabis would affect the likelihood of developing heart failure. It is important to note that heart failure does not imply that the heart has completely ceased functioning, but rather that it is not efficiently pumping oxygenated blood as it should, as stated by the AHA.
At the conclusion of the investigation, it was discovered that individuals who acknowledged engaging in marijuana consumption on a daily basis faced a heightened 34% risk of heart failure development in comparison to those who claimed to have never used marijuana.
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Age, sex at birth, and smoking history did not seem to have an effect on the risk. The researchers conducting the study were not aware of whether the marijuana was ingested or smoked.
A study that was published earlier this year discovered that daily marijuana use can increase an individual's risk of developing coronary artery disease by one third, compared to those who abstain completely. Coronary artery disease is characterized by the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that provide blood to the heart. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that CAD, also known as atherosclerosis, is the most prevalent form of heart disease.
Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, a resident physician at Medstar Health in Baltimore and lead author of the heart failure study, stated that previous research has demonstrated a correlation between marijuana use and cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, which is known to lead to heart failure. Bene-Alhasan emphasized the need for further research on the health effects of marijuana, particularly in relation to cardiovascular risks.
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