Cannabis use might be linked to structural changes to heart, according to the findings of a new study published in JACC Cardiovascular Imaging.
To conduct this study, researchers included 3,407 individuals (median age, 62, 55% female) of which, 47 currently used cannabis, 105 previously used cannabis, and 3,255 rarely, if ever, used cannabis. Current regular users were more likely to be younger, male, and current tobacco smokers and have greater levels of social deprivation compared with rare/never users and previous regular users. They were also less likely to be taking anti-hypertension medication.
The study results showed that regular cannabis use was associated with larger indexed left ventricular end diastolic volume (+5.31 ml/m2; 95% CI, 1.4 to 9.3 ml/m2; p = 0.008), end systolic volume (+3.3 ml/m2; 95% CI, 0.78 to 5.83 ml/m2; p = 0.010), and impaired global circumferential strain (−0.78; 95% CI: −1.47 to −0.09; p = 0.026) compared with rare/no cannabis use, even after adjusting for confounders such as age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, use of cholesterol medication, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Lead author Dr Mohammed Khanji, Senior Clinical Lecturer at Queen Mary, said in a press release that: “Our findings are not conclusive but the research took place against a backdrop of decriminalisation and legalisation of recreational cannabis use in many countries. We urgently need systematic research to identify the long-term implications of regular consumption of cannabis on the heart and blood vessels. This would allow health professionals and policymakers to improve advice to patients and the wider public.”
Researchers identify possible link between cannabis use and structural changes to heart https://t.co/PZwQk905WI
— Science Codex (@sciencecodex) December 19, 2019
However, Dr Khanji, who is also a consultant cardiologist at Newham University Hospital and Barts Heart Centre, part of Barts Health NHS Trust, said: “We believe this is the first study to systematically report changes in heart structure and function associated with recreational cannabis using cardiac MRI, which is a very sensitive imaging tool and the current reference standard for assessing cardiac chambers.
Researchers identify possible link between cannabis use and structural changes to heart https://t.co/EWKLSFvrd1 via @QMUL @EurekAlert
— Edward Willett (@ewillett) December 19, 2019
Researchers identify possible link between cannabis use and structural changes to heart https://t.co/EWKLSFvrd1 via @QMUL @EurekAlert
— Edward Willett (@ewillett) December 19, 2019
© 2025 Mashup Media, LLC, a Formedics Property. All Rights Reserved.