An investigation conducted on survey data gathered from 430,000 adults in the United States has unveiled a troubling correlation between cannabis use and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The research, which was recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that individuals who used cannabis, particularly through smoking, eating, or vaporizing, were more likely to experience cardiovascular issues, independent of tobacco use and other risk factors.
The study, led by Abra Jeffers, Ph.D., a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, highlighted the growing concerns surrounding the use of cannabis, especially as its popularity continues to rise. Despite the illegal status of marijuana at the federal level, 24 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational cannabis, leading to a significant increase in its consumption over the years. The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that the number of cannabis users aged 12 or older had doubled from 2002 to 2019, with 48.2 million people admitting to using cannabis at least once in 2019.
The analysis of the survey data revealed that individuals who used cannabis, regardless of the method of consumption, faced a higher risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. The risk was even greater among those who used cannabis more frequently, with the odds of adverse outcomes increasing with the number of days per month of use. This association remained significant even after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors such as tobacco and e-cigarette use, alcohol consumption, body mass index, diabetes, and physical activity.
Further analysis showed that daily cannabis users had a 25% higher risk of heart attack compared to non-users, while the odds of stroke were 42% higher for daily users. Younger adults at risk for premature cardiovascular disease were also found to have a 36% higher combined risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke if they used cannabis, regardless of their tobacco use.
The study, conducted between 2016 and 2020, involved participants aged 18-74, with a diverse demographic representation. The majority of participants did not use cannabis at all, with daily users accounting for only 4% of the sample. Smoking was identified as the most common form of cannabis consumption, with over 70% of current users reporting it as their preferred method.
While the study sheds light on the potential risks associated with cannabis use, it also highlights the need for further research to understand the long-term effects on cardiovascular health. The findings serve as a crucial reminder for healthcare practitioners to assess cannabis use during patient encounters and engage in open conversations about the potential risks and ways to mitigate them..
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