Recent studies indicate that young marijuana users face a significantly higher risk of heart attacks compared to non-users. This heightened risk is particularly alarming for individuals under the age of 50, who are reported to be six times more likely to experience a heart attack than those who do not use cannabis. These findings were published in JACC Advances, a journal associated with the American College of Cardiology, and will be presented at the organization’s Annual Scientific Session in Chicago next week.
The retrospective study analyzed data from 4.6 million individuals and found a 50% increased risk of heart attacks among cannabis users overall. Furthermore, the research highlighted that users under 50 had more than just a heightened risk of heart attacks; they also experienced a fourfold increased risk of ischemic stroke, double the risk of heart failure, and a threefold increased risk of dying from cardiovascular-related issues.
Dr. Ibrahim Kamel, a clinical instructor at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of discussing cannabis use as part of a patient’s cardiovascular risk assessment. He suggested that health professionals should inquire about cannabis consumption in the same manner they do about cigarette smoking. Kamel also called for public health warnings to alert users to these risks.
The second study, which reviewed data from over 75 million people, primarily gathered in the U.S., showed mixed results regarding the link between cannabis use and heart attacks. While seven studies found a connection, four did not, and one suggested a lower risk. However, the pooled data indicated that cannabis users are 1.5 times more likely to suffer a heart attack compared to non-users.
Among the studies that reported age data, the average age of participants was 41 years, indicating that the research predominantly involved a younger demographic. Dr. Sameer Amin, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at L.A. Care Health Plan, acknowledged the need for further research to understand the implications of these findings fully. He noted that even early information suggests a concerning trend regarding cannabis use and heart health.
