Marijuana use may increase death risk in high blood pressure

Credit: Unsplash+

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health issue.

It happens when the blood pushes too hard against the walls of your arteries over time.

This can quietly damage your body and increase the risk of serious problems like heart disease and stroke.

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg. The first number shows the pressure when your heart beats, and the second shows the pressure when your heart is resting between beats.

A normal blood pressure reading is usually around this level. When blood pressure often stays above 130/80 mmHg, it is considered high.

Many factors can lead to high blood pressure. These include aging, family history, being overweight, lack of exercise, a salty diet, smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, and certain medical conditions.

A new study from Georgia State University is raising concerns about marijuana use. It looked at how marijuana might be linked to a higher risk of dying from high blood pressure. The study included adults over the age of 20. People who said they had ever used marijuana were considered marijuana users.

The researchers found that marijuana users were more than three times as likely to die from high blood pressure compared to those who didn’t use marijuana. They also found that the longer someone had been using marijuana, the higher their risk seemed to be.

Marijuana can affect the heart and blood vessels in several ways. It can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. It also makes the body need more oxygen, which can be risky for people with heart problems. Some users have reported chest pain or even heart attacks after using marijuana.

The study’s authors believe that the risks of heart problems from marijuana may even be greater than those from cigarette smoking. These are serious concerns, especially as marijuana use becomes more common and more accepted in many parts of the world.

This study was led by Barbara A. Yankey and published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. It shows that we need to better understand how marijuana affects the heart and blood pressure.

Although more research is needed, this study is an important reminder to be cautious. If you use marijuana or are thinking about using it—and especially if you have high blood pressure or other heart risks—it’s important to talk to your doctor. Understanding all the risks can help you make better choices for your health.

Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.