How cannabis and THC affect heart health

The chemicals found in cannabis are at high risk of heart attack, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. However, these studies are observable and do not prove that chemicals are responsible for the increased risk.

One study cited in the AHA statement reported that 6% of patients under the age of 50 who had a heart attack used cannabis. It was associated with all causes and worsening cardiovascular mortality. Another study found that cannabis users between the ages of 18 and 44 were significantly more likely to have a stroke, with even higher odds for those who took it more often than those who did not use cannabis. He said.

Dr. Chip Laby, A cardiologist at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, said it was already known that cannabis could adversely affect coagulation, increase acute cardiovascular events, and cause inadequate vascular effects. States.

“We still don’t feel the impact on casual users, high dose users, or very chronic users,” Rabbie told Healthline.

If cannabis is used in the short term in some patients, the benefits may outweigh the risks. Additional risks for impure products vaping But he pointed out that it still exists.

Dr Mutia Vadoganasan, A cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, pointed out that certain forms of cannabis delivery, such as vaping, can affect unique cardiovascular health.

Bad cannabinoid receptors are distributed throughout the body, including the heart, which has potential implications for the heart, Badu Ganasan said.

Not all research on cannabis is harmful, says the AHA report.

THC-containing products Stimulates the heart Promotes inflammation and oxidative stress in blood vessels. It has been explained that it can lead to increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, an overall risk of heart attack, stroke and sudden death. Dr. Michael Miller, Professor of Cardiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine.

If the THC concentration is too high or if taken for a short time, older people may cause side effects with existing drug therapy.

In contrast, products containing CBD Reduce inflammation Emotional stress helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

“I was unaware of the potential conflicting effects of THC in promoting heart disease compared to CBD. CBD may prevent its development and progression,” Miller said. I am.

Although cannabis is an effective treatment for medical purposes such as seizure control, nausea reduction, and improved appetite for cancer and HIV, it can be potentially harmful when used for recreation or unproven purposes. Some people are unaware.

Miller would like to see a well-designed clinical trial to determine if daily use of CBD reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death.

Experts cite lack of solid data in identifying the harm and benefits of cannabis to the cardiovascular system. The AHA’s report states that elevated levels of THC in cannabis may have reflected earlier studies only on the effects on people of low THC levels.

Most cannabis studies are observable, and some cannabis users also don’t consider smoking, Miller added.

“I would like to know if THC is harmful to the heart and its extent if there are no major risk factors such as smoking,” he added.

Dr. Steven SidneySenior researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Research Division in Oakland, California, who are 65 years old and older, use cannabis, and said more studies are urgently needed because they have the highest risk of heart attack.

“Most of what we know about the cardiovascular effects of marijuana comes from smoked marijuana studies. For other types of marijuana, such as edible, tincture, topical preparation, and much more. Research is needed,” Sydney told Healthline. “We also need to investigate how the sound absorption of marijuana affects the heart and lungs, as smoking of marijuana overtakes smoking as the teens most common use.”

Patients and doctors need to be open about cannabis use and its consequences, Vaduganathan said.

“Cardiologists often ask and advise patients on tobacco use, but are rarely screened for cannabis use. Similarly, patients can’t tell if cannabis is blood pressure, cardiovascular drug metabolism, and overall heart health. You may not be aware that it can have a significant impact on your health. Some of these may actually be very similar to the negative health effects of smoking.”

The use of some forms of cannabis is permitted in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and four of the five regions of the United States. Although various states of procurement and use are legal in many states, selling and using it is still illegal in the federal government.