GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
A recent study conducted by scientists in France has uncovered a significant health risk associated with smoking cannabis, revealing that it triples the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
The research, which monitored over 1,300 patients in intensive care, found that those who used cannabis alone faced nearly twice the risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event. The study’s findings have prompted experts to recommend that hospitals begin screening all emergency room patients for recreational drug use.
Previous research has suggested that the active ingredient in cannabis, THC, triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to an increased heart rate and higher blood pressure. Over time, this added strain on the heart can heighten the risk of serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
In this particular study, researchers tracked 1,392 patients admitted to 39 intensive care units across France during a two-week period in April 2021. Among these patients, 11 percent (157 individuals) tested positive for recreational drug use, with 136 of them having used cannabis. The remaining 21 patients were found to have other substances in their systems, including heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, or MDMA.
Notably, more than a quarter (28.7 percent) of those who tested positive had used two or more drugs. During a one-year follow-up, the researchers discovered that 7 percent (94 patients) experienced a serious cardiovascular event, including death. Among those hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome, 14 percent (96 patients) tested positive for recreational drug use, and 7 percent (50 patients) suffered from serious cardiovascular events.
The study revealed that recreational drug use was associated with a threefold increase in the risk of serious cardiovascular events. Specifically, the research found that MDMA had the highest risk, with a 4.1 times greater likelihood of causing a cardiovascular event compared to those not using drugs. Heroin followed at 3.6 times, while cannabis had a risk of 1.8 times.
Dr. Raphael Mirailles, the study’s lead author and a doctor at Hospital Lariboisière in Paris, emphasized the gravity of these findings, noting that recreational drug use was linked to a tripling of the risk for repeat serious cardiovascular events within a year. He highlighted the need for systematic screening in intensive care units to improve patient care and support drug withdrawal efforts.
While the exact mechanisms behind this increased cardiovascular risk remain unclear, scientists believe that THC’s activation of the fight-or-flight response plays a significant role, causing the heart to work harder and potentially leading to long-term damage such as heart disease and stroke.
The study’s findings will be presented on August 31 at the 2024 European Society of Cardiology Congress in London. This research underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and precautionary measures regarding the cardiovascular risks associated with recreational cannabis use.
