New research suggests that cannabis users are at a significantly higher risk for heart-related issues, including heart attacks. The study, which analyzed data from more than 4.6 million people under the age of 50, found that marijuana users were six times more likely to suffer a heart attack compared to non-users.
Participants in the study had no major heart conditions at the start. After an average follow-up of just over three years, researchers observed alarming trends among cannabis users:
- They were four times more likely to have an ischemic stroke.
- They faced twice the risk of developing heart failure.
- Their risk of dying from cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes, was three times higher than non-users.
“The findings underscore significant cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, reinforcing the need for public health initiatives and heightened clinician awareness,” the study’s authors wrote.
Prior research has already linked cannabis use to an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome, with some studies suggesting that the risk of heart attack can spike nearly fivefold within an hour of consumption. The study’s design focused on relatively healthy individuals, ensuring the findings weren’t skewed by pre-existing high-risk conditions.
Researchers say more studies are needed to explore how the frequency and amount of cannabis use impact heart health, as well as the potential dangers of synthetic cannabinoids. The study was led by Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud of Boston University Teaching Hospital.
