From the Guidelines
Cannabis use does not appear to be associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease or associated mortality, according to the most recent evidence. The study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2024 1 found that there is no evidence that cumulative lifetime use of cannabis is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease or associated mortality. This suggests that the risk of cardiovascular disease may not be significantly increased with cannabis use.
However, it is essential to consider the potential cardiovascular side effects of cannabis, such as arrhythmias and orthostatic hypotension, as reported in the same study 1. Another study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2024 1 found that cannabis smoking may be associated with adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
The primary psychoactive component in marijuana, THC, can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure shortly after use, which may be a concern for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Smoking marijuana also exposes the body to many of the same harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke, which can damage blood vessels and heart tissue over time.
People with existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, or those who have previously experienced heart attacks should be particularly cautious about marijuana use. The most critical consideration is to weigh the potential benefits of cannabis use against the potential risks, particularly for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. If you use marijuana and have concerns about heart health, discussing this with your healthcare provider would be advisable to assess your individual risk factors.
Some key points to consider include:
- The risk of cardiovascular disease may not be significantly increased with cannabis use, according to the most recent evidence 1.
- Cannabis use may be associated with adverse cardiovascular events, such as arrhythmias and orthostatic hypotension 1.
- Smoking marijuana exposes the body to harmful chemicals that can damage blood vessels and heart tissue over time 1.
- Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should be cautious about marijuana use and discuss their individual risk factors with their healthcare provider.
From the Research
Cannabis and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest a link between cannabis use and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- The studies focus on various aspects of cardiovascular health, including the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- They discuss the importance of assessing cardiovascular risk using global risk scores, lifestyle management, and pharmacologic therapy for those at high risk 5, 6.
- The role of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing triglyceride levels and potentially lowering the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is also explored 4.
- However, none of the studies specifically examine the relationship between cannabis use and cardiovascular disease risk.
Limitations of Current Evidence
- The provided studies do not investigate the effects of cannabis on cardiovascular health, making it impossible to draw conclusions about its potential impact on cardiovascular disease risk.
- Further research is needed to understand the relationship between cannabis use and cardiovascular disease, including the potential risks and benefits associated with its use.