Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

Cannabis Legalisation Linked To More Heart Attacks, Heart Failure Hospitalisations: Study Based On 50Mn Records

The legalisation of recreational marijuana in the United States may have led to increase in hospitalisations for multiple cardiovascular hospitalisations, including heart attacks, heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, according to a new study published in BMJ Open.

Researchers studied more than 50 million hospital records from 2012 to 2018 and compared cardiovascular hospitalisation patterns in the western United States, where recreational cannabis sales began earlier, with trends in other regions.

They found that hospital admissions for three cardiovascular conditions increased faster in the West after legalisation, sparking questions about the health consequences of legalising recreational marijuana.

The study, titled Cannabis legalisation and cardiovascular hospitalisations in the United States: nationwide difference-in-differences analysis, 2012–2018, was led by Samuel D. Slavin and colleagues.

It analysed records of hospitalisations for acute heart failure, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/heart-attack" data-type="tilCustomLink">heart attacks</a>, atrial fibrillation, ischaemic stroke, venous thromboembolism and ventricular tachycardia.

<h2>Cardiovascular Hospitalisations Increased After Marijuana Legalisation </h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/trump-administration-reclassifies-marijuana-as-a-schedule-3-drug-moving-it-closer-to-prescription-painkillers-article-153318620" data-type="tilCustomLink">Trump Administration Reclassifies Marijuana As A Schedule 3 Drug, Moving It Closer To Prescription Painkillers</a>

The analysis found that, for each additional year of recreational cannabis sales in the western region, hospitalisation rates rose faster than in other regions for these three heart conditions:

<ul><li>Atrial fibrillation: approximately 2.3% faster per year.</li><li><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/six-to-eight-cups-of-tea-a-day-linked-to-lower-heart-disease-risk-but-should-you-drink-more-article-156385740" data-type="tilCustomLink">Heart failure</a>: approximately 3.7% faster per year.</li><li>Heart attacks: approximately 3.1% faster per year.</li></ul>

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that can increase the risk of stroke. Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs, while a heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked.

Hospitalisation rates for the other conditions also increased, but the differences were not as significant. The researchers say that their study addresses a gap in existing research. 

“While several studies have examined the association of recreational cannabis legalisation on psychiatric conditions, substance use, emergency visits, and traffic accidents, ours is the first study to examine the association with cardiovascular hospitalisations,” they wrote.

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Cannabis contains compounds that can affect the cardiovascular system. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), its main psychoactive component, can increase heart rate and affect <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/eating-a-handful-of-nuts-daily-may-lower-high-blood-pressure-risk-study-finds-article-156376476" data-type="tilCustomLink">blood pressure</a>.

Researchers have also examined links between cannabis use, blood vessel function and blood clot formation. However, cardiovascular effects may vary depending on the product, frequency of use and method of consumption.

The study suggests that legalisation may have wider health implications because it can change the availability and use of cannabis products across a population. However, the researchers did not directly state that cannabis use caused the hospitalisations observed.

The findings show an association between legalisation and changing hospitalisation trends, not cause and effect proof.

The analysis compared regional hospitalisation patterns rather than tracking individual cannabis users. Researchers could not distinguish between different methods of cannabis consumption, examine trends separately for each state or fully account for changes in illegal cannabis use. 

The authors said, “While an observational study cannot prove causality, our findings point to potential adverse effects of recreation legalisation on population health.”

They added, “Globally, our findings support a cautious approach to legalisation laws accompanied by data collection on [cardiovascular] outcomes.”

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The legalisation of recreational marijuana in the United States may have led to increase in hospitalisations for multiple cardiovascular hospitalisations, including heart attacks, heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, according to a new study published in BMJ Open.Researchers studied more than 50 million hospital records from 2012 to 2018 and compared cardiovascular hospitalisation patterns in the western United States, where recreational cannabis sales began earlier, with trends in other regions. They found that hospital admissions for three cardiovascular conditions increased faster in the West after legalisation, sparking questions about the health consequences of legalising recreational marijuana.The study, titled Cannabis legalisation and cardiovascular hospitalisations in the United States: nationwide difference-in-differences analysis, 2012–2018, was led by Samuel D. Slavin and colleagues. It analysed records of hospitalisations for acute heart failure, heart attacks, atrial fibrillation, ischaemic stroke, venous thromboembolism and ventricular tachycardia.Cardiovascular Hospitalisations Increased After Marijuana Legalisation Also read: Trump Administration Reclassifies Marijuana As A Schedule 3 Drug, Moving It Closer To Prescription PainkillersThe analysis found that, for each additional year of recreational cannabis sales in the western region, hospitalisation rates rose faster than in other regions for these three heart conditions:Atrial fibrillation: approximately 2.3% faster per year.Heart failure: approximately 3.7% faster per year.Heart attacks: approximately 3.1% faster per year.Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that can increase the risk of stroke. Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs, while a heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked.Hospitalisation rates for the other conditions also increased, but the differences were not as significant. The researchers say that their study addresses a gap in existing research. “While several studies have examined the association of recreational cannabis legalisation on psychiatric conditions, substance use, emergency visits, and traffic accidents, ours is the first study to examine the association with cardiovascular hospitalisations,” they wrote.Cannabis And Heart Health         Cannabis contains compounds that can affect the cardiovascular system. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), its main psychoactive component, can increase heart rate and affect blood pressure. Researchers have also examined links between cannabis use, blood vessel function and blood clot formation. However, cardiovascular effects may vary depending on the product, frequency of use and method of consumption.The study suggests that legalisation may have wider health implications because it can change the availability and use of cannabis products across a population. However, the researchers did not directly state that cannabis use caused the hospitalisations observed.The findings show an association between legalisation and changing hospitalisation trends, not cause and effect proof.The analysis compared regional hospitalisation patterns rather than tracking individual cannabis users. Researchers could not distinguish between different methods of cannabis consumption, examine trends separately for each state or fully account for changes in illegal cannabis use. The authors said, “While an observational study cannot prove causality, our findings point to potential adverse effects of recreation legalisation on population health.”They added, “Globally, our findings support a cautious approach to legalisation laws accompanied by data collection on [cardiovascular] outcomes.”

cannabis legalisation linked to more heart attacks, heart failure hospitalisations: study based on 50mn records

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