Recent studies show there is growing evidence linking regular marijuana use and an increased chance of developing cardiovascular health problems. As more states continue to legalize the drug, understanding the risks associated with its consumption can be essential for protecting your overall well-being.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how daily marijuana use has been linked to heart diseases and potential steps you can take to make sure your body stays safe.
One study, in particular, gained attention from the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session with the World Congress of Cardiology. This study is among the largest and most comprehensive, examining the potential long-term cardiovascular implications of using marijuana regularly. Previous studies have reported somewhat fixed findings on the link between heart disease and cannabis use. Some suggest that smoking marijuana can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiac events, particularly in younger people.
This new study used information from the All of Us Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, which included data about the health and habits of 175,000 people. Researchers examined the relationship between cannabis use frequency and coronary artery disease (CAD) rates.
Coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease, is a form of heart disease caused by the narrowing and hardening of coronary arteries that supply the organ with blood. This occurs due to fat deposits in the coronary arteries and can significantly reduce the amount of oxygenated blood sent to the heart. If left untreated, coronary artery disease can lead to chest pain and even death from a heart attack or stroke.
For the study, researchers used Mendelian randomization, a genetics-based approach to identify a link between CAD and cannabis use disorder. This type of disorder is a recognized psychiatric disorder that involves frequent marijuana use and dependency.
After adjusting for sex, age, and cardiovascular risk factors, researchers found that daily cannabis users were 34% more likely to develop CAD than those who never used marijuana. Those who were monthly cannabis users were not associated with a significant increase in the risk of CAD.
“We found that cannabis use is linked to CAD, and there seems to be a dose-response relationship in that more frequent cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of CAD,” said Ishan Paranjpe, MD, the study’s lead author. “In terms of the public health message, it shows that there are probably certain harms of cannabis use that weren’t recognized before, and people should take that into account.”
Previous studies have found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the molecule responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, interacts with the receptors found in the central nervous system, heart, and blood vessels. Researchers believe this interaction may provide a pathway for cannabis to promote the buildup of plaque and inflammation, which may ultimately lead to CAD.
Keeping the Heart Healthy
Keeping the heart strong and healthy is vital for enjoying a high quality of life as you age. Heart Rescue was designed to help support and promote cardiovascular health using a variety of ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, magnesium, and hawthorn extract. This formula’s health benefits can help strengthen the heart muscle, support circulation, and help reduce the risk of heart disease.
CoQ10 is a vital nutrient needed to promote healthy cardiovascular function. However, research has shown that CoQ10 levels can decline with stress, age, and cholesterol-lowering statin use. Due to this decline, it is essential to help support and maintain CoQ10 levels.
The major issue with standard CoQ10 supplementation is that it is a large, fat-soluble molecule that is poorly absorbed in the body. However, CoQ10 Premium Gold gets around this issue by supplying a water-soluble form of CoQ10 for superior absorption by the body. This gives the body the CoQ10 it needs to support energy production and help maintain cardiovascular health.