Two new American Heart Association (AHA) studies were presented at the 2023 AHA meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to the research, regular marijuana use may cause harm to the heart and brain, especially in older individuals with medical conditions.
The first study tracked 156,999 people with no history of heart disease, with approximately 2,958 individuals developing heart failure over four years. The findings revealed that daily marijuana users had a 34% higher risk of heart failure, regardless of age, gender, or smoking history. This risk factor dropped to 27% for people with coronary artery disease.
Research head Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan from Baltimore’s MedStar Health stated that frequent marijuana use could lead to damage in the coronary arteries, potentially leading to heart failure.
A second AHA study focused on 28,535 marijuana users with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. The investigation found that these individuals had higher heart disease risk factors, and 20% of marijuana users experienced significant cardiac or neurological problems while in the hospital. The incidence of heart attacks was greater among marijuana users with cardiovascular risk factors compared to non-users.
According to CNN, more seniors are using marijuana, with a study indicating a 450% increase in the number of seniors over 65 engaging in binge drinking and marijuana use from 2015 to 2019.
It is worth noting that three in 10 marijuana users may experience cannabis use disorder, leading to increased dependence on cannabis. Despite the negative impacts, some continue to use marijuana, which can lead to addiction and affect various aspects of their lives.
The results of this AHA research are consistent with a 2023 CDC study that found daily marijuana users had a one-third higher risk of coronary artery disease than non-users.
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