A recent study from Georgia State University has revealed a concerning connection between marijuana use and the risk of death from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure, the force of blood against the artery walls, remains too high over time. This condition can lead to severe health issues like heart disease and stroke if left untreated.
Blood pressure is typically represented by two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg, considered a normal range.
The first number (systolic pressure) measures the force on artery walls when the heart beats, while the second number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure between beats. A consistent reading above 130/80 mmHg is generally diagnosed as hypertension.
The study focused on participants aged 20 and older, categorizing anyone who reported past marijuana use as a user.
The findings were significant: marijuana users had over three times the risk of dying from hypertension compared to non-users. Moreover, the longer someone used marijuana, the greater their risk of death from high blood pressure.
Marijuana affects the cardiovascular system in various ways. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure and raise the body’s demand for oxygen. Some users have reported chest pain and heart attacks following marijuana use.
Surprisingly, the study indicated that the cardiovascular risks from marijuana might even surpass those associated with cigarette smoking.
Barbara A Yankey, who led the study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, emphasized the need for increased awareness and caution regarding marijuana’s potential cardiovascular risks.
While further research is needed to fully understand this link, these findings highlight the importance of discussing substance use with healthcare providers, especially for individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions or risk factors.
This study serves as a crucial reminder of the potential health implications of marijuana use, particularly regarding hypertension.
It underscores the need for both users and healthcare providers to be vigilant about the cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
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