A study conducted by researchers at the University of Calgary in Canada has found that individuals with cannabis use disorder are at a higher risk of experiencing heart attack, stroke, and other major cardiovascular conditions. The study examined the health records of 59,528 people living in Canada, with half of them having been diagnosed with cannabis use disorder between January 2012 and December 2019. The researchers found that those with cannabis use disorder had a nearly 60% higher risk of developing a cardiovascular condition compared to those without the disorder. The risk increased with the severity of the disorder, with individuals seeking care for cannabis dependence five or more times being over twice as likely to develop heart or vascular problems.
The exact mechanisms behind this association are still unclear, but the researchers suggest that compounds in cannabis, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may bind to receptors in the body, causing elevated heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and affecting blood clotting. It should be noted that this study focused solely on individuals with cannabis use disorder and did not include those who use the drug infrequently.
Cannabis use has been on the rise, particularly among young people. Jennifer Bailey, a researcher at the University of Washington, highlights the need for further studies to examine how lower levels and shorter durations of cannabis use, as well as different cannabis products, may be related to heart health. Understanding these nuances will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of cannabis use on cardiovascular health.
Insights:
- The study suggests that frequent cannabis use may impair heart health and increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions.
- The severity of cannabis use disorder is correlated with a higher risk of heart or vascular problems.
- The exact mechanisms driving this association are not yet fully understood but may involve compounds in cannabis, such as THC, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and blood clotting.
- Further research is needed to explore the relationship between lower levels and shorter durations of cannabis use, as well as different cannabis products, and their impact on heart health.
