New non-published studies presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with marijuana use among older adults who do not smoke tobacco.
According to these studies, older adults who use marijuana, regardless of whether it is for recreational or medicinal purposes, face a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure when hospitalized. The studies revealed significant findings that highlight the importance of considering the cardiovascular effects of cannabis use.
One study, led by Dr. Avilash Mondal, a resident physician at Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, focused on adults over 65 with cannabis use disorder who did not smoke tobacco. The research found that these individuals had a 20% higher risk of experiencing a major heart or brain event while hospitalized compared to older adults who did not use marijuana. This risk was observed even in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Dr. Robert Page II, chair of the volunteer writing group for the 2020 American Heart Association Scientific Statement on Medical Marijuana, Recreational Cannabis, and Cardiovascular Health, emphasized the need to treat cannabis use as a potential risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
He likened the effects of smoking or inhaling marijuana to those of tobacco cigarettes, both of which have been linked to heart muscle disease, chest pain, heart rhythm disturbances, heart attacks, and other severe conditions.
Daily Marijuana Use Increases Heart Failure Risk by 34%
The second study followed approximately 160,000 adults with a median age of 54 over four years to investigate the impact of cannabis use on the risk of developing heart failure. The results indicated that individuals who reported daily marijuana use had a 34% increased risk of developing heart failure compared to non-users. This risk remained consistent regardless of age, sex at birth, or smoking history.
These findings add to a growing body of research linking marijuana use to cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Coronary artery disease, characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries supplying blood to the heart, is one of the most common forms of heart disease.
Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, a resident physician at Medstar Health in Baltimore and lead author of the heart failure study, emphasized the importance of further research to better understand the health implications of marijuana use, especially regarding cardiovascular risk.
The American Heart Association recommends that individuals refrain from smoking or vaping any substance, including cannabis products, due to the potential harm to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. With marijuana use on the rise among older adults, understanding the associated risks is crucial for public health. Older adults, who often have multiple chronic conditions, may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of cannabis use on their cardiovascular health.
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