Why Cannabis May Harm the Heart
While the exact mechanisms through which cannabis affects the cardiovascular system remain unclear, researchers have proposed several theories. Cannabis may disrupt heart rhythm regulation, increase oxygen demand in the heart muscle, and contribute to endothelial dysfunction, a condition that impairs blood vessels’ ability to relax and expand. One study included in the meta-analysis found that the risk of heart attack peaked about one hour after marijuana consumption, suggesting an acute effect on the cardiovascular system.
Dr. Ibrahim Kamel, the lead author of the retrospective study and a clinical instructor at Boston University, emphasized the importance of understanding these risks. “Asking about cannabis use should be part of clinicians’ workup to understand patients’ overall cardiovascular risk, similar to asking about smoking cigarettes,” he said. “At a policy level, a fair warning should be made so that the people who are consuming cannabis know that there are risks.”
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