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Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the
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information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of
care. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based
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A study by researchers at St. Luke’s University Hospital Network suggests that cannabis use can lead to weakened heart muscles.
The study, presented at the American Heart Association’s yearly Scientific Sessions meeting, focused on patients with stress cardiomyopathy.
Mayo Clinic defines stress cardiomyopathy as “a temporary heart condition that’s often brought on by stressful situations.” It is commonly triggered by stressful events such as the end of a relationship or the death of a family member.
Also known as broken heart syndrome, the condition causes temporary disruptions of normal pumping functions in one part of the heart, which causes chest pains or symptoms similar to a heart attack.
The study’s lead investigator, Dr. Amitoj Singh, says that marijuana has been linked to at least two cases of stress cardiomyopathy in medical literature.
“There have been many reports of hearts attacks, strokes and the two cases of [stress cardiomyopathy] that have been linked to marijuana,” Singh said.
Marijuana Users Experienced Higher Rates of Cardiac Arrest
Singh and colleagues examined Nationwide Inpatient Sample data from 2003 to 2011 to determine the hospital admissions and health outcomes of 33,343 patients with stress cardiomyopathy. The patient group included men and women of multiple age demographics, and researchers noted whether patients were marijuana users or not.
Of the patients studied, 210 were marijuana users. Those who reported using the drug were generally male and younger than the average patient in the group.
Results from the study showed that marijuana users experienced fewer stress cardiomyopathy risk factors, such as acute stress, diabetes, hypertension and migraines. However, marijuana users in the study experienced more severe heart problems despite having fewer risk factors for the condition, according to an American Heart Association news release.
The researchers found that 2.4 percent of marijuana users experienced cardiac arrest, compared to 0.8 percent of nonusers. Marijuana users were more likely than nonusers to require an implanted defibrillator to correct abnormal heart rhythms.
The study also examined whether marijuana use alone could trigger stress cardiomyopathy by excluding all known causes for the condition. Singh and colleagues found a statistically significant relationship between marijuana and stress cardiomyopathy.
“Someone who uses marijuana is almost two times more likely to develop stress cardiomyopathy,” Singh said.
Marijuana users in the study had higher rates of tobacco use and illicit substance abuse, and they were more likely to have mental health issues such as depression. Each of these factors can increase the risks of stress cardiomyopathy, which makes it difficult to determine the cause of the condition.
Study Draws Mixed Response
The study’s results were met with varied responses from the medical community.
“It does give me some very appropriate worry that exposure to [marijuana] may not be as benign as some people seem to think, said Dr. Ann Bolger, spokeswoman for the American Heart Association and a professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine.
Singh said that although the results highlight increased cardiac risks associated with marijuana use, cannabis should not be ruled out as something that can help people with certain health conditions.
“We don’t want to underestimate the benefits of medical marijuana,” Singh told CNN.
Singh also advised any marijuana users who develop chest pain or shortness of breath to seek medical attention.
Recreational Marijuana
The study came just days after Election Day, when voters in nine states decided on whether to legalize medical or recreational marijuana. Eight of the nine states approved of legalization.
California, Nevada, Massachusetts and Maine passed measures to legalize recreational marijuana. The majority of Arizona voters voted against legalizing recreational use. Arkansas, Florida and North Dakota legalized medical marijuana, and Montana voters succeeded in easing restrictions on current medical marijuana laws.
Arkansas voters approved Issue 6, one of two amendments on the ballot that would legalize the use of medical marijuana and allow for the creation and regulation of marijuana dispensaries.
On Oct. 7, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that the state’s second medical marijuana measure, Issue 7, did not have enough support to appear on the ballot after the court disqualified more than 12,000 signatures. Issue 7 still appeared on the ballot, but the votes were not counted and results had no effect on state law.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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Meyers, S. (2016, October 27). Arkansas Supreme Court Suspends Issue 7 From November Ballot. Retrieved from http://5newsonline.com/2016/10/27/arkansas-supreme-court-suspends-issue-7-from-november-ballot/
Ingraham, C. (2016, November 8). Marijuana wins big on election night. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/11/08/medical-marijuana-sails-to-victory-in-florida/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Broken heart syndrome. Retrieved from #
Middlebrook, H. (2016, November 14). Does marijuana weaken heart muscles? Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/13/health/marijuana-weakens-heart/index.html
Telegraph Reporters. (2016, November 13). Broken heart syndrome twice as likely in cannabis users-new study. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/11/13/broken-heart-syndrome-twice-as-likely-in-cannabis-users---new-st/
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