Frequently smoking cannabis increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It seems to be particularly dangerous if you smoke cannabis every day.
A new cross-sectional study involving experts from the University of California examined the cardiovascular effects of cannabis use. The results can be read in the “Journal of the American Heart Association” (JAHA).
Data from more than 430,000 people
In total, the study evaluated data from 434,104 people who took part in the so-called Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. The team focused on the association between cannabis use in the last 30 days and cardiovascular problems.
It showed that daily cannabis consumption was associated with a 25 percent increased risk of a heart attack and a 42 percent increased risk of a stroke, compared to participants who did not consume cannabis.
The frequency of cannabis use played a role in cardiovascular risk that should not be underestimated. Weekly cannabis consumption was “only” associated with a three percent increased risk of a heart attack and a five percent increased risk of a stroke, the experts report.
Underestimated cause of heart disease?
Overall, according to the researchers, almost 75 percent of the participants who consumed cannabis said that their consumption was primarily through smoking and “we know that when cannabis is burned, toxins are released that are similar to those in tobacco smoke,” explains study author Dr. Abra Jeffers in a press release.
It has long been known that smoking tobacco increases the risk of heart disease. The new study now shows that smoking cannabis is also a cardiovascular risk factor.
According to researchers, the consumption of cannabis could be an important and previously underestimated cause of heart disease.
Why does cannabis increase risk?
Although the exact mechanisms through which cannabis is linked to heart disease are still unclear, experts believe that its effects on the so-called endocannabinoid receptors may play a role.
Endocannabinoid receptors refer to the part of the cells responsible for recognizing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, the team explains. In addition, the receptors are widespread in the body’s cardiovascular tissue.
Other adverse health effects
In addition to the effects of cannabis on the heart found in this research, studies have been conducted in the past that have found a connection between regular cannabis use and impaired brain development, lung damage and various cardiovascular diseases, the team reports.
Therefore, it seems appropriate to ask people about their cannabis use during routine medical examinations or physical tests, just as is the case with tobacco use. This could also help us learn more about the long-term effects of cannabis on the body, adds Dr. Jeffers added. (as)
