Some cannabis users could develop a rare heart disease

Smoking cannabis could double the risk of developing a rare condition that temporarily weakens the heart, according to new research.

Cardiomyopathy due to stress, or broken heart syndrome, mimics the symptoms of a heart attack, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sometimes fainting.

The symptoms, caused by a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood, are generally temporary, but health experts warn that they could be a sign of more serious conditions.

Cannabis users experiencing an episode of cardiomyopathic stress were significantly more likely than non-users to suffer a cardiac arrest or require treatment for abnormal heart rhythms.

Dr. Amitoj Singh of the University of Pennsylvania, who co-led the study, says: «The effects of cannabis, particularly on the cardiovascular system, are not well understood. With the increased availability and the cannabis legalization In some states, people need to know whether cannabis can be harmful to the heart and blood vessels in some individuals.

The researchers analyzed data from 33,343 Americans who were hospitalized with stress cardiomyopathy between 2003 and 2011. Among them, only 210 were identified cannabis users. Patients' cannabis use was identified either through self-report or through a urine test.

After taking risk factors into account (hopefully to ensure the study’s validity and to account for latent obesity—or even the overall lifestyle—of Americans), the study concluded that cannabis users were twice as likely to develop cardiomyopathic stress syndrome than non-consumers.

However, we do not know the relative risk between users and non-users. It’s not for lack of trying, but these figures apparently are not being released. It is worth noting, however, that among the 33,343 Americans suffering from this condition, only 210 used cannabis. Does this mean that among those 210 people, 105 would not have developed this heart condition if they had not smoked cannabis?

However, this stress is estimated to triple the risk of cardiac arrest among users due to cardiomyopathic stress (the percentage rises from 0.8% among non-users to 2.4% among users).

The study also suggests that cannabis users are more likely to have a history of depression, psychosis, anxiety, alcoholism or substance abuse multiple. This raises the question of whether the study’s conclusion might instead pertain to the’use the issue of cannabis beyond mere use.

«If you use cannabis and develop symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, you should see a doctor to make sure you don't have stress cardiomyopathy or another heart problem,» says Dr. Singh.

The study was presented during a session scientist with the American Association From the Heart to New Orleans. The study’s press release can be read here.

However, this study certain limits, which she reported herself. Since this is a retrospective study, the researchers were unable to determine the frequency of cannabis use or the time interval between cannabis use and the onset of cardiomyopathic stress. Observational studies are also not designed to determine cause and effect. Therefore, it is not possible to say whether the Whether or not cannabis is the cause cardiomyopathic stress. Since the researchers' data are regional rather than state-by-state, it is also impossible to say whether heart problems related to the Cannabis prices are rising in places where its use is becoming legal.