Medical cannabis linked to to higher risk of heart rhythm problems

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In a study from Gentofte University, scientists found people with chronic pain who use medical cannabis have a higher risk for heart rhythm disorders than nonusers.

They examined the risk for new-onset arrhythmias, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and heart failure following the use of prescribed medical cannabis.

The analysis included patients with chronic pain who were followed from 2018 to 2021, with those initiating first-time treatment with medical cannabis (4,562 patients) matched to people without using medical cannabis.

The team found the risk for heart rhythm disorders was higher in patients using medical cannabis versus patients who did not use it.

The risk for heart failure was not higher for those initiating cannabis versus those not initiating cannabis.

The team says since medical cannabis is a relatively new drug for a large market of patients with chronic pain, it is important to examine and report serious side effects.

Even though the absolute risk difference is small, both patients and doctors should have as much information as possible when weighing up the pros and cons of any treatment.

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The study was conducted by Anders Holt et al and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2022.

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