A new study shows that young people who consume marijuana are six times more likely to experience a heart attack than their counterparts.
Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) documents that people under the age of 50 who consume marijuana are about 6.2 times more likely to experience a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, than non-marijuana users. Young marijuana users are also 4.3 times more likely to experience an ischemic stroke and 2 times more likely to experience heart failure, the study shows.
Researchers surveyed over 4.6 million people under the age of 50, of which 4.5 million do not use marijuana and 93,000 do. All participants were free of health conditions commonly associated with cardiovascular risks, like hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and a history of myocardial infarctions. The study also excluded people who use tobacco to eliminate another potential risk factor. More: Vast majority of cannabis users drive afterwards, report says. What to know about the risks. Ahmed Mahmoud, lead researcher and clinical instructor at Boston University, told USA TODAY that though the numbers appear significant, researchers’ biggest concern right now is studying more data, as research on marijuana’s effects on the cardiovascular system remains limited. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. "Until we have more solid data, I advise users to try to somehow put some regulation in the using of cannabis," Mahmoud said. "We are not sure if it’s totally, 100% safe for your heart by any amount or any duration of exposure." How does marijuana affect the heart?
As studies remain inconclusive and few and far between, scientists and doctors are still unclear how marijuana affects the cardiovascular system. But generally, researchers understand that marijuana can make the heart beat faster and raise blood pressure, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Mahmoud said researchers believe marijuana may make small defects in the coronary arteries’ lining, the thin layer of cells that forms the inner surface of blood vessels and hollow organs.
"Because cannabis increases the blood pressure and makes the […]
Cannabis users under 50 are 6 times more likely to have a heart attack, new study shows
