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Rachel V Thomas

100 Million-Person Study Links Cocaine, Amphetamine, Cannabis Use to Stroke Risk In Young Adults

A massive analysis involving more than 100 million people has found strong links between <span>recreational drug use</span> and <span>stroke</span>, including among younger adults.

Stroke remains one of the world's biggest health problems and ranks as the third leading cause of death and disability combined.

The researchers found that <span>cannabis use</span> disorders were associated with stroke overall and were particularly linked to large artery stroke.

The study "provides compelling evidence that drugs like <span>cocaine</span>, amphetamines, and cannabis are causal risk factors for stroke. These findings give us stronger evidence to guide future research and public health strategies," said Dr. Megan Ritson from the Stroke Research Group at the University of Cambridge.

The team conducted a meta-analysis covering studies with more than 100 million participants. Their results, published in the International Journal of Stroke, showed substantial differences in stroke risk associated with several drugs.

Cocaine and <span>amphetamine</span> use were each linked to roughly twice the risk of stroke.

<ul><li>Cocaine increased stroke risk by 96%.</li><li>Amphetamine use was associated with a 122% increase.</li><li>Cannabis use was associated with an increase of about 37%.</li><li>Opioid use showed no statistically significant association with stroke risk.</li></ul>

<h2>Stroke Risk Was Especially High in Younger Users</h2>

The researchers separately examined people under age 55. Within this younger group, amphetamine use was associated with nearly three times the risk of stroke, an increase of 174%.

Cocaine use was associated with a 97% increase in stroke risk, while cannabis was linked to a smaller 14% increase.

<h2>Cocaine Linked to <span rel="noindex">Brain Hemorrhage</span> and Cardioembolic Stroke</h2>

Further genetic analysis revealed that cocaine use disorders were especially associated with brain hemorrhage and cardioembolic stroke.

In cardioembolic stroke, a blood clot forms in the heart and travels to the brain, blocking blood flow and causing damage to brain tissue.

According to the researchers, these genetic findings support the possibility of a causal relationship rather than an association alone.

Problematic alcohol use was also associated with an increased risk of cardioembolic stroke and large artery stroke. Alcohol addiction, meanwhile, was linked to a greater overall risk of stroke.

<h2>How Could Recreational Drugs Increase Stroke Risk?</h2>

The researchers noted several biological mechanisms that could help explain why these substances are associated with stroke. These include:

<ul><li>Sudden increases in blood pressure</li><li>Spasms and narrowing of blood vessels</li><li>Abnormal heart rhythms</li><li>Greater blood clotting, especially with cannabis</li><li>Inflammation or vasculitis, particularly with amphetamines</li></ul>

All of these processes are already known to contribute to stroke. They can play a role in ischemic strokes, which occur when blood clots interrupt blood flow, as well as hemorrhagic strokes.

"Our analysis suggests that it is these drugs themselves that increase the risk of stroke, not just other lifestyle factors among users. Taken together, our findings emphasize the importance of public health measures to reduce substance abuse as a way of helping also reduce stroke risk," said Dr. Eric Harshfield, Alzheimer's Society Research Fellow at the Department of Clinical Neurosciences.

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A massive analysis involving more than 100 million people has found strong links between recreational drug use and stroke, including among younger adults.Stroke remains one of the world's biggest health problems and ranks as the third leading cause of death and disability combined.The researchers found that cannabis use disorders were associated with stroke overall and were particularly linked to large artery stroke.The study "provides compelling evidence that drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabis are causal risk factors for stroke. These findings give us stronger evidence to guide future research and public health strategies," said Dr. Megan Ritson from the Stroke Research Group at the University of Cambridge.What Did the Study Find?The team conducted a meta-analysis covering studies with more than 100 million participants. Their results, published in the International Journal of Stroke, showed substantial differences in stroke risk associated with several drugs.Cocaine and amphetamine use were each linked to roughly twice the risk of stroke.Cocaine increased stroke risk by 96%.Amphetamine use was associated with a 122% increase.Cannabis use was associated with an increase of about 37%.Opioid use showed no statistically significant association with stroke risk.Stroke Risk Was Especially High in Younger UsersThe researchers separately examined people under age 55. Within this younger group, amphetamine use was associated with nearly three times the risk of stroke, an increase of 174%.Cocaine use was associated with a 97% increase in stroke risk, while cannabis was linked to a smaller 14% increase.Cocaine Linked to Brain Hemorrhage and Cardioembolic StrokeFurther genetic analysis revealed that cocaine use disorders were especially associated with brain hemorrhage and cardioembolic stroke.In cardioembolic stroke, a blood clot forms in the heart and travels to the brain, blocking blood flow and causing damage to brain tissue.According to the researchers, these genetic findings support the possibility of a causal relationship rather than an association alone.Problematic alcohol use was also associated with an increased risk of cardioembolic stroke and large artery stroke. Alcohol addiction, meanwhile, was linked to a greater overall risk of stroke.How Could Recreational Drugs Increase Stroke Risk?The researchers noted several biological mechanisms that could help explain why these substances are associated with stroke. These include:Sudden increases in blood pressureSpasms and narrowing of blood vesselsAbnormal heart rhythmsGreater blood clotting, especially with cannabisInflammation or vasculitis, particularly with amphetaminesAll of these processes are already known to contribute to stroke. They can play a role in ischemic strokes, which occur when blood clots interrupt blood flow, as well as hemorrhagic strokes."Our analysis suggests that it is these drugs themselves that increase the risk of stroke, not just other lifestyle factors among users. Taken together, our findings emphasize the importance of public health measures to reduce substance abuse as a way of helping also reduce stroke risk," said Dr. Eric Harshfield, Alzheimer's Society Research Fellow at the Department of Clinical Neurosciences.

100 million-person study links cocaine, amphetamine, cannabis use to stroke risk in young adults

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100 Million-Person Study Links Cocaine, Amphetamine, Cannabis Use to Stroke Risk In Young Adults

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100 Million-Person Study Links Cocaine, Amphetamine, Cannabis Use to Stroke Risk In Young Adults

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