Two new studies reported by the American Heart Association (AHA) at their 2023 annual meeting suggest that regular marijuana use could be detrimental to the heart and brain, especially in older adults with existing medical conditions.
The first study included 156,999 individuals with no known history of heart disease, of which 2,958 developed heart failure over a period of about four years. The researchers found that daily marijuana users had a 34% higher risk of heart failure, regardless of age, gender, or smoking history. Even people with coronary artery disease, which restricts blood flow to the heart, had a 27% increased risk.
Lead researcher Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan from Baltimore’s MedStar Health explained that frequent marijuana use could damage the coronary arteries, ultimately leading to heart failure. As the Hindustan Times quoted him, “Prior research shows links between marijuana use and cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, which is known to cause heart failure.”
A second AHA study examined 28,535 marijuana users with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, all of whom had additional risk factors for heart disease. The study, which utilized data from the 2019 National Inpatient Sample, found that 20% of marijuana users experienced significant cardiac or neurological issues while hospitalized, with 13.9% experiencing fatal or severe heart and brain events.
Another alarming finding was that the incidence of heart attacks was higher among marijuana users with cardiovascular risk factors compared to non-users, according to the researchers.
Daily marijuana users were also found to have a one-third higher risk of coronary artery disease, as per the results of a 2023 CDC study.
With the increasing number of seniors using marijuana, concerns about the potential adverse effects on the heart and brain are growing. A 2020 study found a dramatic rise in the number of seniors over 65 using marijuana between 2015 and 2018. Additionally, a 2023 study reported a 450% increase in the number of seniors binge drinking and using marijuana from 2015 to 2019.
It’s essential to recognize that about three in 10 marijuana users could have a cannabis use disorder, leading to increased dependence on cannabis. Despite the negative effects, some individuals continue to use marijuana, which can ultimately lead to addiction and impact various aspects of their lives.
These findings, presented at the AHA’s 2023 meeting, highlight the potential risks associated with regular marijuana use, particularly among older individuals with existing health conditions. They underline the importance of continued research and awareness about the health implications of marijuana consumption.
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