Cannabis Use Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Attack
A recent study conducted by the University of Toronto has found that cannabis use significantly increases the risk of heart attack. The study analyzed health data from 33,000 individuals between the ages of 18 and 44 who had participated in previous surveys conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the participants, 17% reported using cannabis in the month prior to the survey. Later, 1.3% of cannabis users suffered a heart attack, compared to only 0.8% of non-users. The study did not investigate the specific effects of cannabis on heart health, but previous research suggests that the drug can affect heart rate and lead to irregular heartbeats, which can reduce the amount of oxygen pumped to the heart and increase the risk of heart attack.
Dr. Karim Ladha, the lead researcher of the study, commented on the findings, stating that “there is increasing evidence that cannabis is potentially dangerous, both in the short and long term.” Robert Page, the chairman of the American Heart Association, also weighed in on the issue, stating that cannabis is no longer the harmless drug that people may have once thought it to be. He warned that the potency of modern cannabis could lead to interactions with heart medications, further increasing the risk of heart attack.
While the study did not investigate the specific effects of cannabis on heart health, it provides important information for individuals who use the drug. The findings suggest that cannabis use can have serious health consequences, and individuals who use the drug should be aware of the potential risks. Dr. Ladha plans to conduct further research to better understand the relationship between cannabis use and heart health.
