New research suggests a potential connection between marijuana usage and the development of vascular disease. A study involving more than 623,000 cannabis users reveals an increased risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) among them. While PAD commonly affects individuals over 60 years old, the study indicates that even younger cannabis users face an elevated risk.
Traditionally, smoking cigarettes has been recognized as a factor that heightens the likelihood of peripheral artery disease (PAD). This condition involves the accumulation of fatty plaque in arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the arms or legs.
However, recent research indicates that individuals who use cannabis might also face a higher risk of developing PAD, compared to the general population. Importantly, this risk extends to younger adults as well.
In the United States, over 6.5 million individuals aged 40 and above are affected by PAD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Given that more than 48 million Americans used cannabis at least once in 2019, and with increasing cannabis use among young adults, the researchers behind the study advise cannabis users to be attentive to the symptoms of this condition.
One well-known indication of PAD is experiencing pain, aches, or cramps in the leg, hip, or buttock during physical activities like walking, which usually subsides with rest. Other signs in the leg that may suggest PAD encompass muscle weakness, hair loss, skin that appears smooth and shiny, non-healing sores or ulcers, and cold or numb toes.
Presented on May 17 at the annual meeting of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions in Phoenix, Arizona, this study’s findings should be regarded as preliminary until they undergo peer review and publication in a scientific journal.
Increased Risk of PAD Associated with Cannabis Use
The study investigated information gathered from 2016 to 2019 concerning over 623,000 hospital patients identified as cannabis users. The average age of patients was 38 years, with a balanced representation of both men and women. The majority of these patients were of white ethnicity.
Out of the group, approximately 2,400 individuals were diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD), which equates to less than one percent. Compared to the general population, individuals who used marijuana had over three times the likelihood of being diagnosed with PAD.
However, no heightened risk of mortality or the need for procedures to clear blocked arteries was observed.
In light of these findings, Dr. Hirva Vyas, a study author from Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, emphasized that both patients and physicians should acknowledge the association between cannabis use and PAD. She pointed out that a notable concern is the age of the patients, as PAD typically occurs more frequently in individuals aged 60 or older, especially those with additional risk factors such as:
- Smoking
- high blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- high cholesterol
Dr. Vyas highlighted that younger adults might misinterpret leg pain while walking as muscle strain or injury, possibly overlooking PAD symptoms. Hence, for cannabis users of all ages, seeking medical attention if they experience symptoms resembling PAD would be prudent.
Cannabis Connected with Various Health Concerns
Due to the study’s design, it cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between cannabis usage and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Nevertheless, Dr. Michael Go, a vascular surgery specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, highlighted that cannabis use has long been linked to cardiovascular issues.
For instance, a study revealed that young adults who recently used cannabis had a higher likelihood of experiencing a heart attack.
Dr. Claudia Martinez-Bermudez, a cardiologist and associate professor at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, and not connected to the new study, referred to a 2020 statement from the American Heart Association that explores potential risks of both medical and recreational cannabis, including cardiovascular risks.
In the study, researchers lacked information about the specific types of cannabis products used by participants. As a result, the study couldn’t determine whether the increased PAD risk stemmed from smoking cannabis plants or consuming edibles like gummies.
Martinez-Bermudez underscored the necessity for further research on the composition of cannabis concerning PAD. She noted that certain products might have varying effects depending on their THC/CBD (cannabidiol) content.
Furthermore, understanding how individuals with PAD have used cannabis is essential. Martinez-Bermudez highlighted that cannabis can be consumed in various ways, including smoking and in conjunction with tobacco, all of which could potentially contribute to peripheral vascular disease.
Less Explored Connection Between Cannabis and PAD
Dr. Go, who was not part of the new study, highlighted that compared to other cardiovascular issues, the link between cannabis and peripheral artery disease (PAD) has received less research attention.
Nevertheless, he noted, “Over the past decade, several articles have indicated that cannabis use might be connected to various forms of PAD.”
One study discovered that cannabis use disorder is linked to a sudden reduction in blood flow to the limbs. Another study revealed that cannabis users faced an elevated risk of artery inflammation in the lower limbs. Dr. Go emphasized that all these conditions are associated with a higher likelihood of amputation. Due to limited available research, the exact way in which cannabis use may heighten PAD risk remains unclear. The authors of the new study propose that cannabis could impact blood clot formation or blood vessel function.
Dr. Go mentioned, “It’s also uncertain whether it’s the THC [delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol] itself or other components of smoke inhalation” that elevate PAD risk. While the recent study did not find an increased risk of death or the need for procedures to address clogged arteries among cannabis users, Dr. Go cautioned that it’s too early to determine if cannabis usage directly leads to severe PAD.
In the interim, he advised individuals at higher PAD risk to use cannabis in moderation.
Moreover, he stressed, “Doctors should inquire about cannabis use from patients and consider it an added risk factor for PAD in their patients.”