As cannabis becomes more widely accepted due to decriminalization and legalization, many people are embracing its use without fully understanding its potential health risks—especially when it comes to heart health. While cannabis is often viewed as a natural remedy with minimal side effects, emerging research suggests a more complicated picture.
The Hidden Cardiovascular Risks of Cannabis
Cannabis interacts with the body’s cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), which can trigger oxidative stress and inflammation—two major contributors to heart disease. Studies have linked cannabis use to a range of cardiovascular issues, including myocardial infarction (heart attack), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease).Â
Even more concerning is that cannabis doesn’t need to be combined with tobacco to have these harmful effects. While co-using cannabis and tobacco amplifies cardiovascular risks and addiction potential, cannabis alone is independently associated with adverse heart health outcomes.
The Role of Smoking in Heart Health
Cannabis use increases the risk of heart disease across various age groups and lifestyles. Men under 55 and women under 65 are at particularly higher risk according to research. Smoking remains the most common method of cannabis consumption, and it’s a significant factor in heart health risks. This means that even if you’ve never touched a cigarette, using cannabis could still put your heart at risk.Inhaling particulate matter from cannabis smoke can contribute to cardiovascular damage, similar to traditional tobacco. This increases the risk of fainting due to reduced blood flow to the brain, stroke and premature cardiovascular disease.Â
Given these findings, it’s important to have honest conversations about cannabis use during medical checkups. If you use cannabis, especially via smoking, sharing this history with your medical providers will allow for appropriate screening by your healthcare team to help protect and advise you regarding your cardiovascular health.Â
Take Control of Your Heart Health
At Tiffany Adult Wellness and Weight loss, we’re committed to helping you make informed decisions for a healthier, longer life. If you’re using cannabis and are concerned about its effects on your heart, schedule a consultation with us today. We’ll work with you to create a personalized plan to safeguard your cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
Your heart matters—let’s keep it strong together.
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