The use of cannabis may not be related to hardening of the arteries in middle age
Atherosclerosis is a buildup of cholesterol, fats, and other substances in the walls of the arteries that can restrict blood flow
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There appears to be no association between cumulative cannabis use and subclinical atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which could increase the chances of a heart attack or stroke.
In summary, this is what a new study from the University of Bern in Switzerland, published last month in the American Journal of Medicine, suggests. "Future cardiovascular disease is often indicated by subclinical atherosclerosis, for which carotid intima-media thickness is an established parameter," the study's abstract states.
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Atherosclerosis is a buildup of cholesterol, fats, and other substances in the walls of the arteries. Such buildups can restrict blood flow, according to Medical Doctors. "This plaque can rupture, leading to a blood clot."
Researchers from Switzerland and the United States write in the recent study that the long-term effects of cannabis on cardiovascular health are poorly studied. As such, they analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. The cohort consisted of 5,115 people, around 20 years old. Specifically, they associated artery hardening in middle age with tobacco smoking.
This study adds to the body of evidence that there may be no association between the average population level of marijuana use and subclinical atherosclerosis," write the researchers.
Some studies claim the opposite
However, findings and comments remain mixed. In 2019, the Harvard Heart Letter noted that "research suggests that the risk of heart attack is several times higher in those who smoke cannabis. Although this does not pose a significant threat to people with minimal cardiovascular risk, those with a history of heart disease should be cautious.
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Finally, a study last year, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, pointed out that cannabis is becoming increasingly potent. Furthermore, smoking it carries many of the same cardiovascular risks as smoking tobacco. Therefore, the authors encouraged medical screening for marijuana use especially in young patients with cardiovascular diseases.