In a recent study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal, researchers found adults younger than 45 years who reported recently using cannabis were 2 times more likely to have had a heart attack (myocardial infarction), and this link was stronger in frequent users.
They carefully examined the relationship that frequency of cannabis use and method of consumption have with the risk of a heart attack in younger adults.
The study is from Unity Health Toronto. One author is Dr. Karim Ladha.
In the study, the team looked at data from a survey conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) including over 33,000 adults aged 18–44 years, of whom 17% reported using cannabis in the past 30 days.
Heart attack was reported in 1.3% (61 of 4610) cannabis users and 0.8% (240 of 28,563) nonusers.
Cannabis users were more likely to be male, smoke cigarettes, use e-cigarettes (vape) and be heavy alcohol drinkers, which may have contributed to their risk.
The team says with recent legalization and decriminalization, cannabis use is increasing in young adults in North America, and researchers do not fully know its effects on heart health.
As a young adult, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with cannabis use, especially in the current climate where we are exposed to a wealth of misinformation and non–evidence-based health recommendations.
They also say that not only young adults, but physicians and other clinicians need to be aware of this potentially important relationship. Cannabis use should be considered in cardiovascular risk assessment.
When making decisions about cannabis consumption, patients and physicians should consider its associated benefits and risks, in the context of their own health risk factors and behaviors.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about higher body fat may prevent heart disease death in women and findings of heart-healthy lifestyles may lower future cancer risk.
For more information about heart disease, please see recent studies about a new method to reduce recurring heart attacks and results showing that how oral health may affect your heart, brain and risk of death.
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