A large study led by Stanford Medicine researchers reveals that marijuana users face an elevated risk of heart disease and heart attacks. The study found that THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, promotes inflammation in endothelial cells lining blood vessels and causes atherosclerosis in laboratory mice. However, the inflammation and atherosclerosis can be countered by genistein, a small molecule naturally found in soy and fava beans. Notably, genistein has limited penetration into the brain, allowing THC to continue providing key medicinal effects, such as appetite stimulation, pain relief, and nausea reduction.
THC and inflammation
The researchers examined genetic and medical data from roughly 500,000 individuals between 40 and 69 years old, sourced from the UK Biobank. Among them, nearly 35,000 reported using cannabis, with about 11,000 smoking more than once a month. After adjusting for factors like age, BMI, and sex, those who smoked more than monthly had a notably higher likelihood of experiencing a heart attack. Frequent marijuana users were also more prone than nonusers to suffer a first heart attack before age 50—an unusual, early event that elevates lifelong risks for additional heart attacks, heart failure, and dangerous arrhythmias that may lead to sudden death.
Key Facts
- Increased Heart Disease Risk: Marijuana use is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
- THC’s Impact on Blood Vessels: THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, causes inflammation in endothelial cells in blood vessels and atherosclerosis in lab mice.
- Protective Role of Genistein: Genistein, a molecule in soy and fava beans, can block this inflammation and atherosclerosis without affecting THC’s medicinal effects.
- Frequent Use and Heart Attack Risk: People who smoke marijuana more than once a month have a significantly higher risk of heart attack, even after controlling for age, BMI, and sex.
- Early Heart Attacks in Frequent Users: Regular marijuana users are more likely to experience a premature heart attack (before age 50), which raises the risk of future heart-related issues and sudden death.
These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing heart health, especially for those considering or currently using marijuana. While THC has therapeutic effects, frequent use is linked to a significantly higher risk of heart disease and premature heart attacks, which carry serious lifelong consequences. The protective potential of genistein offers some hope, but it is not a substitute for the risks associated with regular cannabis use. People are encouraged to think carefully about these risks and consider alternative ways to support their health and well-being without compromising their cardiovascular health.
健康生活，从拒绝大麻开始. – Healthy living starts with refusing cannabis.
Reference: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2022/04/marijuana-heart-disease.html
