In a recent breakthrough, researchers from Georgia State University have unveiled that marijuana consumption could triple the risk of death due to high blood pressure.
This discovery introduces a significant concern regarding the health effects of marijuana, a topic of ongoing debate.
The research began by evaluating adults over 20 years old, using data collected in 2005-2006.
Participants were asked a straightforward question to determine if they had ever used marijuana. Based on their responses, individuals were categorized as marijuana users.
To estimate the duration of marijuana use among participants, the scientists calculated the difference between each individual’s age when they first tried marijuana and their age at the time of the study.
By linking these details with death records up to 2011 from the National Centre for Health Statistics, the team analyzed the data of 1,213 participants.
The findings showed a diverse usage pattern: 34% of participants hadn’t used marijuana or cigarettes, 21% used only marijuana, and 20% used both substances.
Additionally, 16% were former users of both, 5% had only smoked cigarettes in the past, and 4% were current cigarette smokers only.
On average, marijuana use among the participants spanned approximately 11.5 years. The study revealed that marijuana users faced a 3.42 times higher risk of dying from high blood pressure than those who had never used it, with the risk increasing by 1.04 times for each additional year of use.
Marijuana’s impact on the cardiovascular system is well-documented, known to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. This can lead to an increased heart rate and blood pressure, raising the heart’s oxygen demand.
Notably, there have been instances where individuals experienced chest pain and heart attacks after using marijuana, highlighting its potential danger to heart health.
What makes these findings particularly alarming is the suggestion that the cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana could surpass those related to cigarette smoking.
This study, spearheaded by Barbara A Yankey and published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, serves as a crucial caution about the health implications of marijuana use, particularly concerning blood pressure and heart health.
It urges individuals to consider the potential risks, especially those with concerns about high blood pressure, and prompts a broader conversation about the safety of marijuana consumption in light of its increasing legalization and acceptance.
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