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Effect of marijuana use on cardiovascular risk remains unknown

Evidence was insufficient to determine the harms and benefits of marijuana use on cardiovascular risk and outcomes, according to research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

“As more states legalize the sale and consumption of marijuana, the number of Americans using it continues to rise. This increase in the use of marijuana highlights the need for a better understanding of its risks and benefits. One area of importance is its effect on cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,” Divya Ravi, MD, MPH, from the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, and colleagues wrote.

Ravi and colleagues investigated the effect of marijuana use on cardiovascular outcomes and risk factors. The researchers reviewed 13 studies that reported on marijuana use and cardiovascular risk factors, such as hyperglycemia, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity, and 11 studies that reported on marijuana use and clinical outcomes, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality.

Marijuana use was associated with a metabolic benefit in six studies; however, the studies had cross-sectional designs and these findings were not supported by prospective studies with more rigorous designs. There was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of marijuana use on diabetes, dyslipidemia, acute myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

The researchers noted that although there were several long-term prospective studies included, they offered limited evidence due to recall bias, inadequate exposure assessment, minimal marijuana exposure and a predominance of low-risk cohorts.

“Adequately powered prospective studies are needed to determine the effect of chronic marijuana use on cardiovascular health,” Ravi and colleagues concluded. – by Alaina Tedesco

Disclosure: Ravi reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see study for all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.