Marijuana Users Susceptible To Heart Problems - Especially Young Users

 "There is now compelling evidence on the growing risk of marijuana-associated adverse cardiovascular effects, especially in young people," said Emilie Jouanjus, lead author of the French study, which was also published in the US. That evidence, Mr Jouanjus added, should prompt cardiologists to consider marijuana use a potential cause of cardiovascular disease in patients they see.

Over a five-year period, a government-mandated tracking system in France showed physicians treated 1979 patients for serious health problems associated with the use of marijuana. Nearly 2 percent of those encounters were with patients suffering from cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, cardiac arrhythmia and stroke, and circulation problems in the arms and legs. In roughly a quarter of those cases, the study found, the patient died.

Aside from heart attacks and strokes, case studies linked recent marijuana use in patients seeking care for increased angina; ischemic ulcers and gangrene associated with blocked blood flow to extremities; and transient ischemic attacks, sometimes called "mini-strokes." These complaints often came from young patients who had no previous evidence of cardiovascular disease.

 

 

This is reported as understood from smh.com.au