Frequent cannabis use linked to heart disease, study finds

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In a study from Stanford University, scientists found that people who used marijuana daily were found to be about one-third more likely to develop coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with people who have never used the drug.

As cannabis becomes legal in an increasing number of U.S., it is important to examine the potential long-term heart health effect of using the drug.

CAD is the most common form of heart disease and occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed due to a buildup of cholesterol.

CAD commonly causes chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue, and can lead to a heart attack.

Previous studies have suggested that smoking marijuana can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiac events, especially in younger people.

In the current study, the team used data from the All of Us Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, which includes detailed information about the health and habits of 175,000 people.

The researchers first analyzed the link between cannabis use frequency and rates of CAD.

They then used Mendelian randomization, a genetics-based approach to identify a causal link between cannabis use disorder and CAD risk.

They found that daily cannabis users were 34% more likely to have CAD than those who have never used marijuana.

In contrast, monthly cannabis use was not linked to a big increase in the risk of CAD.

The Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that this was due to a causal relationship, finding that people with cannabis use disorder were more likely to develop CAD.

Additionally, in the genetic analysis, this causal link was independent of the potential confounding effects of tobacco and alcohol use.

Based on these findings, researchers said it is important for people to be aware that cannabis use is not without risk and make sure to inform their doctor if they use cannabis so that clinicians can take appropriate steps to monitor their heart health.

By helping to better understand the molecular pathways involved in marijuana use and heart disease, the findings could open new opportunities for interventions to prevent or treat heart disease.

If you care about cannabis, please read studies that what you need to know about cannabis and heart attack, and CBD from cannabis may help inhibit COVID-19 infection.

For more information about cannabis, please see recent studies that medical cannabis could help reduce depression, and results showing this stuff in cannabis may protect aging brain, treat Alzheimer’s.

The study was conducted by Ishan Paranjpe et al and presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session.

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