Cannabis use not associated with increased risk of heart attack, study finds

Cannabis use is not associated with an increased risk of heart attack in middle-aged adults, according to data published in the’American Journal of Cardiology. The study showed that, compared with non-cannabis users, those who consumed cannabis every month for the past year were at no greater risk of heart attack.

These data were adjusted for potential confounding factors such as BMI, alcohol and tobacco consumption and physical activity.

People who have used cannabis every month for the past ten years are less likely to have no higher risk of heart attack either.

In addition, the researchers identified an increased risk of heart attack in former users who had recently stopped using cannabis. The investigators described the latter finding as 'unexpected».

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego. They examined the relationship between cannabis use and physician-diagnosed myocardial infarction (MI) - better known as heart attack - in a nationally representative group of around 10,000 middle-aged people (35 to 59).

«In a representative sample of middle-aged U.S. adults, a history of monthly cannabis use for more than a year prior to a myocardial infarction was unrelated to a subsequent physician-diagnosed infarction, after accounting for cardiovascular risk factors. However, if recent use is considered, the risk is three times higher if no use was reported in the previous month. Duration of monthly use prior to heart attack, including use for more than 10 years, also showed no association», say the authors. the authors conclude.

«Evidence of adverse effects on cardiovascular health is conflicting and limited by the ability to accurately quantify consumption, particularly method of consumption, dose and potency. Given the increasing access to cannabis products in the U.S. and worldwide, further research is needed, particularly longitudinal and experimental studies.»

Researchers have been looking into the relationship between cannabinoids and cardiovascular function. This interest stems from the fact that cannabis can increase blood pressure and heart rate. The medical community has therefore been concerned about a potential correlation between heart attacks and cannabis use.

However, no consistent data has been found to demonstrate that this presents a danger, making the new research from San Diego music to the ears of cannabis consumers. A 2021 literature review of 67 studies published in the’American Journal of Medicine revealed that «marijuana itself does not appear to be independently associated with excessive cardiovascular risk factors».

However, the authors are concerned that it may be associated with other unhealthy behaviors, such as alcohol consumption and smoking, which can be detrimental to cardiovascular health.

As reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine, a excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure and stroke. Excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to cardiomyopathy, a disease that affects the heart muscle. However, studies have also shown a link between moderate alcohol consumption and a lower risk of dying from heart disease, showing that the data on alcohol and cardiovascular health need to be clarified.

The link between cigarette smoking and heart disease is fairly certain, suggesting that if cannabis users want to take a step towards better heart health, the first thing to do is stop smoking cigarettes.