A new study from the University of Calgary has found that adults with cannabis use disorder have a significantly higher risk of experiencing serious cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. The study analyzed health data from nearly 60,000 people in five Canadian health databases to determine whether there was a correlation between problematic cannabis use and the first occurrence of negative cardiovascular events. The researchers found that 2.4% of people with cannabis use disorder experienced a cardiovascular event, compared to 1.5% of the control group. While the study does not provide enough information to say that cannabis use disorder causes cardiovascular disease, it does suggest that Canadians with this disorder appear to have a much higher risk of heart and circulatory problems than those without it.
The study is part of a growing body of research examining the physical and mental health risks associated with cannabis use. Previous studies have found that cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of peripheral arterial disease, among other health problems. The authors of the current study note that people with cannabis use disorder who have no other medical conditions and who have had fewer than five doctor visits in the past six months are at even higher risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event. This may be because these individuals consider themselves healthy and may not recognize the warning signs of a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event.
While the study does not prove that cannabis use disorder causes cardiovascular disease, it does suggest that people with this disorder should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to reduce their risk of heart and circulatory problems. This may include seeking medical attention if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, as well as making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. As more research is conducted on the health risks of cannabis use, it is important for individuals and healthcare providers to stay informed and take steps to minimize potential harm.
