New Studies Presented at the 2023 AHA Meeting in Philadelphia Reveal Risks of Regular Marijuana Use on Heart and Brain Health
Two new groundbreaking American Heart Association (AHA) studies were unveiled at the 2023 annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shedding light on the potential harmful effects of regular marijuana use on the heart and brain, particularly in older individuals with existing medical conditions.
The first study monitored 156,999 people with no history of heart disease. Over a period of around four years, 2,958 of these individuals developed heart failure. The findings revealed that individuals who engaged in daily marijuana use faced a 34% higher risk of heart failure, irrespective of age, gender, or smoking history. This risk decreased to 27% for those with coronary artery disease, a condition that narrows the heart’s blood vessels.
Research head Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan from Baltimore’s MedStar Health emphasized that habitual marijuana use could cause damage to the coronary arteries, potentially leading to heart failure. Previous research has established links between marijuana use and cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.
In the second AHA study, 28,535 marijuana users with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes were examined, revealing that these individuals had additional risk factors for heart disease. Disturbingly, 20% of marijuana users experienced significant cardiac or neurological problems while hospitalized, with 13.9% suffering fatal or severe heart and brain events. The study also indicated that the incidence of heart attacks was higher among marijuana users with cardiovascular risks.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Avilash Mondal, stressed the unique nature of their research, which exclusively focused on cannabis usage and its effects on cardiovascular outcomes, excluding tobacco users. These findings align with a 2023 CDC study, which showed that daily marijuana users have a one-third higher risk of coronary artery disease than non-users.
Furthermore, a CNN report highlighted an alarming increase in marijuana use among seniors, with a study revealing a 450% surge in the number of seniors over 65 engaging in binge drinking and marijuana use within a month from 2015 to 2019. The report also highlighted that three in 10 marijuana users may experience a cannabis use disorder, characterized by increased dependence on cannabis.
These findings underscore the critical need for further research and education about the potential risks associated with regular marijuana use, especially among older individuals with pre-existing health conditions. As the popularity of marijuana among seniors continues to rise, comprehensive awareness and preventive measures are crucial to safeguarding heart and brain health.
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