A new study builds on previous research that shows marijuana usage can contribute to cardiovascular risks.
Research published in Heart, an international peer-reviewed journal, documents that adults who use cannabis are 29% more likely than nonusers to develop Acute Coronary Syndrome and 20% more likely than nonusers to suffer from stroke. Acute Coronary Syndrome is any condition brought on by a reduction or blockage of blood flow to the heart, which can result in heart attacks.
Researchers surveyed 24 studies conducted between 2016 and 2023 that involved more than 400 million participants, ranging mostly between 19 and 59, according to the study.
“Our findings are consistent with those from previous reviews, which outlined a positive association between cannabis use and cardiovascular disorders,” the study states. “The increased awareness of this potential risk among cannabis users should encourage investigating such use in all patients presenting with serious cardiovascular disorders.”
Marijuana news: New study finds cannabis edibles raise risk of premature heart disease
How does marijuana affect the heart?
Simply put, not enough research has been conducted to determine just how marijuana affects the cardiovascular system. The research that has been done has largely been conducted on the effects of smoking cannabis, in contrast to other modes of consumption like edibles.
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 (CDC).
Marijuana plants sit in one of the three grow rooms which are lit with lights designed to replicate sunlight in a climate controlled space at Compassionate Care Research Institute in Newark, New Jersey.
Ahmed Mahmoud, a clinical instructor at Boston University, previously told USA TODAY that 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 blood run very fast and make some detects in the lining to the coronary arteries, this somehow could make a thrombosis (formation of a blood clot) or a temporary thrombosis in these arteries, which makes a cardiac ischemic (stroke) or the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen to function,” Mahmoud previously told USA TODAY. “This is what makes the heart injured and this is a myocardial infarction or heart attack.”
Terms to know: Is marijuana the same as cannabis? What is THC?
How does the new study compare to previous research?
The new study aligns with previous research about cannabis’ effects on the cardiovascular system.
A study published earlier this year found that people under the age of 50 who consume marijuana are about 6.2 times more likely to experience a heart attack than nonusers. 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.
And a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association last year found the same, that cannabis users are more likely to experience cardiovascular risks than those who do not partake.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heart risks 29% more likely among cannabis users, study shows
