Latest news with #cardiovascular
Medscape
2 days ago
- General
- Medscape
Remission, Attaining CV Risk Targets Drops CVD Risk in Lupus
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had more than double the risk for atherosclerosis progression over 10 years than healthy control individuals, but maintaining cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) targets and achieving sustained disease remission significantly reduced this risk. METHODOLOGY: Researchers collected carotid ultrasound measurements from 111 patients with SLE and 94 age- and sex-matched controls, including baseline measurements from 2012 to 2013 with follow-up assessments at 3, 7, and 10 years. They tracked carotid plaque progression, CVRF target attainment on the basis of the 2016 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and additional CVD risk modifiers, and incident CVD events over 10 years and looked for predictors of plaque progression. TAKEAWAY: Patients with SLE demonstrated a 2.3-fold higher risk for carotid plaque progression than healthy control individuals (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.26; 95% CI, 1.34-3.81; P = .002). = .002). Each CVRF maintained at target during the 10-year follow-up reduced plaque progression risk by 32% (IRR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53-0.89; P = .004). = .004). Achievement of definition of remission in SLE for ≥ 75% of follow-up decreased risk for plaque progression by 43% (IRR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.34-0.95; P = .033). = .033). Persistent triple antiphospholipid antibody positivity increased 10-year risk for incident cardiovascular events in SLE more than sevenfold (hazard ratio, 7.52; P = .014). IN PRACTICE: 'Patients with SLE experience a 2.3-fold higher 10-year atherosclerosis progression risk than [healthy controls], which is significantly mitigated by sustained [cardiovascular risk factor] control and prolonged clinical remission,' the study authors wrote in the abstract. 'Carotid ultrasound may have an additive role in enhancing CVD risk assessment in patients with SLE.' SOURCE: Maria G. Tektonidou, MD, PhD, of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece, presented the study at the 16th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Toronto. LIMITATIONS: The study sample was relatively small. Carotid ultrasound is dependent on operator skill and experience, which can lead to interobserver and intraobserver variability. DISCLOSURES: Funding information for this research was not provided. Disclosure information for the authors was not available.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The Silent Symptom Most People Don't Realize Could Be a Heart Issue, According to Cardiologists
The Silent Symptom Most People Don't Realize Could Be a Heart Issue, According to Cardiologists originally appeared on Parade. Heart attacks are often conveyed as sudden, obvious and marked by horrible chest pain. However, cardiologists are ringing the alarm: Heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues can often sneak up on us, largely because we don't know all of the symptoms we might experience."We often think of a heart attack as a crushing chest pain or pressure in the middle of the chest, but there are times when heart disease feels different," shares , a board-certified cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center.🩺 💊 So many people are at risk for—and will experience—cardiovascular disease during their lifetimes. The American Heart Association's 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update found that heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of U.S. adults, fueled by increases in risk factors like hypertension. Yet cardiologists emphasize that early detection can save lives. They're raising their voices on a silent heart disease symptom they wish more people knew Pain in the jaw or neck without chest discomfort can be an early warning sign of heart problems, explains a cardiologist with Vital Heart & Vein in Houston. Dr. Kee adds that the pain can also present in the shoulder or arm and says women, older adults and people with chronic conditions like diabetes are especially at high risk for experiencing this commonly overlooked symptom of cardiovascular concerns, including heart also suggests that women are more likely to experience jaw pain with a heart attack (and it's sometimes written off as a toothache). However, one cardiologist shares that it's easy for anyone to overlook these symptoms."Patients may dismiss these symptoms as 'just tension,' but cardiologists are taught to evaluate unexplained discomfort above the waist with concern, particularly in high-risk patients," says , a board-certified cardiologist, the founder of Manhattan Cardiology, Medical Offices of Manhattan and co-founder of talked a lot about heart attacks, but Dr. Ni says jaw and neck pain may also suggest other cardiovascular issues. "There are other heart conditions that can also induce neck and jaw pain, including heart valve issues and heart rhythm problems," Dr. Ni also may not be a heart issue at all. "Just because someone has risk indicators or pain in a typical region does not imply a cardiac cause," Dr. Segal says. "Proper cardiac screening is crucial. Jaw and neck pain can also be caused by muscle strain, tooth infections, and joint or spinal disorders."Related: When the pain is related to heart disease or attacks, there's no structural or physical issue in the neck and jaw. Instead, the mind is misreading signals. "Our internal organs transmit 'pain' via the autonomic nervous system," says , an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health Serwer explains that the autonomic nervous system plays a vital role in numerous functions, including blood pressure and heart rate regulation."When the heart is injured, the autonomic nervous system transmits signals to the brain indicating an injury," Dr. Serwer adds. "The pain is interpreted as referred pain. Referred pain may present as chest, jaw, neck or arm pain." Related: Everyone is different, but Dr. Ni says patients often experience jaw and neck pain on their left sides, which makes sense because that's where the heart is Kee often hears heart-related jaw and neck pain described as: Dull ache or tightness in the lower jaw or throat Pressure-like or heavy sensations Pain radiating to the ear, shoulder or left arm If the pain is a sign of a heart attack, it's tough to say whether the pain means you're about to experience one or the event is already in progress."There is no set period; jaw or neck pain could precede a heart attack by minutes, hours or even days," Dr. Segal explains. "Think of it like a leaking pipe—you might notice a subtle drip, or jaw [and] neck pain, before the pipe bursts. Or you could have a heart attack. The earlier you investigate, the better."Related: When in doubt, Dr. Serwer suggests getting immediate ER care for jaw and neck pain. It could be a sign of a heart attack. "This is especially true for those at an increased risk for having a heart attack—those with diabetes, known coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking or family history," Dr. Serwer says, adding it's better to be safe. Dr. Kee explains that doctors will treat suspected heart attacks immediately, potentially using: Aspirin to reduce clotting Nitroglycerin (a medication) to ease chest discomfort Oxygen and IV medications Cardiac catheterization and angioplasty (a minimally invasive procedure that can open arteries) Stents or bypass surgery, depending on the severity Dr. Kee says the outlook depends on numerous factors, including how quickly treatment begins. "Early recognition of warning signs—even the atypical ones like jaw or neck pain—can drastically improve outcomes," he explains. "Don't wait for chest pain. Your heart could be speaking a different language. Learn to listen." Up Next:Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update. American Heart Association. Dr. Patrick Kee, M.D., Ph.D., a cardiologist with Vital Heart & Vein in Houston Orofacial Pain and Toothache as the Sole Symptom of an Acute Myocardial Infarction Entails a Major Risk of Misdiagnosis and Death. Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache (OFPH). Dr. Robert Segal, MD, a board-certified cardiologist, the founder of Manhattan Cardiology, Medical Offices of Manhattan and co-founder of Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company The Silent Symptom Most People Don't Realize Could Be a Heart Issue, According to Cardiologists first appeared on Parade on Jun 1, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Six surprising daily changes to add a decade to your life
If you ever needed a reminder to make small changes to protect your health in the future, here it is: a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine has found that focusing on key cardiovascular risk factors (such as high blood pressure and cholesterol) and making the right lifestyle changes by the age of 50 can add a decade to your life. We asked the experts which small habits they would add to their day to help add 10 years to their lives. 1. Try the 'Scandinavian sleep method' or a 'sleep divorce' Thanks in no small part to Covid isolation, snoring and Gwyneth Paltrow, sleep divorce is increasingly becoming the nocturnal life choice for couples who crave blissful peace at bedtime. A YouGov study revealed that 37 per cent of Britons say they sleep better alone, and in the United States 35 per cent of couples are happily sleeping in either separate beds or separate rooms from their partners. And the benefits are bountiful. 'Changing the sleep environment can be transformative,' says Dr Stephanie Collier, a psychiatrist at the Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital in Massachusetts. 'Fewer night-time interruptions mean better rest, sharper thinking and more emotional resilience – and people are also less snippy. Physiologically, the benefits are just as compelling: reduced cardiovascular stress, stronger immune function, and even a lower risk of obesity and diabetes. Sleep also plays an important role in motor performance and concentration – areas that directly affect a person's risk for accidents.' In other words, the knock on effects for increased longevity are obvious. However, not all couples want to sleep apart. Or perhaps they do, but they just don't have the physical space to accommodate such a life change. In which case, why not try a sleep 'trial separation'? All the advantages, none of the inconvenience of trying to squeeze a bed into the home office. 'You don't need a second bedroom to start prioritising sleep,' counsels Dr Collier. 'Couples can stagger bedtimes or use silent alarms to avoid disrupting each other. If movement or temperature is an issue, try the 'Scandinavian sleep method' (separate duvets on the same bed). If your partner is a loud sleeper, white noise machines, fans or earplugs can work wonders. Even partial separation, like sleeping apart during workdays and reuniting on weekends, can lead to meaningful improvements in sleep.' A new study by Australian researchers published in the Sports Medicine journal reports that following a structured dance programme could offer greater psychological and cognitive benefits than some traditional exercise activities. By analysing participants ranging in age from as young as seven right up to 85, and from healthy subjects to those suffering from chronic disease, the findings suggested that several forms of structured dance activity were as good (if not better) for you as team sports, walking and even martial arts. ' Dance can improve several aspects of health – physical, psychological, and cognitive,' says Dr Alycia Fong Yan, a senior lecturer in exercise and sport science at the University of Sydney and lead author of the study. 'My research has found that dance is equally as effective, and in some cases more effective, as standard exercise. So if dance is an attractive physical activity for someone, then they will be more likely to engage with dance regularly, increasing their total weekly physical activity volume and reaping health benefits in the long term.' As a former professional dancer and dance teacher, Dr Fong Yan was not surprised by the results of the study in terms of dance's effectiveness in reducing fat mass, lowering triglycerides (a type of fat found in your blood) and improving cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and day-to-day functionality. She did, however, find it interesting that benefits on mental health were seen across the age spans and across many health conditions, too. 'We found the effectiveness of dance interventions was most evident in the domains of self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, motivation and health-related quality of life, particularly in older individuals,' she says. 'Structured dance was found to be equally as effective as exercise for improving anxiety, depression and Parkinson's disease-related quality of life.' Although the study didn't suggest any single dance program to be more effective than others, both partnered and individual routines were found to be beneficial. 'From an exercise science perspective, higher intensity dance genres with faster tempos will increase heart rate and meet the moderate to vigorous physical activity recommendations,' Dr Fong Yan concludes. 'For older adults, dance styles with challenging balance elements, quick changes of directions and complex movement sequences will mimic the exercises in falls prevention exercise programs. Dance styles that include some bouncing, jumping and rapid footwork will be beneficial for bone health as the loading on the lower body is novel, high impact and fast to stimulate bone growth. Any dance genre that has music that you enjoy will motivate you to keep going back.' 3. Take an omega-3 supplement If you want a healthy heart, better brain function and a reduction in inflammation – the tent poles for a longer, healthier life – you need your omega-3 fatty acids. Nutritionists will point to oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) and plant-based alternatives (flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts), but a recent study found that upping your omega-3s might also help delay the ageing process. The science is that these fatty acids could play a role in preserving our telomeres – the protective caps made from DNA and protein that are located at the end of our chromosomes. Telomeres shorten as we get older and are linked to age-related diseases. In the study, taking an omega-3 supplement was found to lengthen those telomeres. 'Inflammation and oxidative stress can shorten telomeres, and each of these processes have been associated with faster ageing,' explains Dr Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, an academy professor at the Ohio State University College of Medicine. 'Omega-3 can reduce those two conditions, and thus could buffer telomeres from their damaging effects. Large studies have already linked higher omega-3 levels with lower all-cause mortality, but our research showed that omega-3 supplementation had positive effects on inflammation, oxidative stress and telomere length, providing one obvious pathway for these reductions in mortality.' An additional study suggested the omega-3 supplementation benefits could be further boosted if accompanied by doses of vitamin D and regular exercise. 'Omega-3's benefits likely depend on the person's starting point – their age, weight, activity level, sleep, dietary omega-3 intake and mood,' Dr Kiecolt-Glaser adds. 'But the research is promising.' We all know walking is good. Exactly how many steps we should take a day, however, is trickier to pin down. A study in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology found that as few as 2,337 steps a day started to reduce the risk of dying from heart and circulatory diseases. The same study also established that at least 3,867 steps reduced the risk of dying from any cause. For older adults, walking between 6,000 and 9,000 steps a day lessened the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 50 per cent. If you really want to get the maximum health benefits from your perambulations though, you should walk faster. A new study by Dr Elroy Aguiar, an assistant professor in the exercise science department of kinesiology and his team at the University of Alabama found that the quality as well as the quantity of exercise had a significant impact. 'Our study, and several others, have shown that even small amounts (1-5 minutes) of higher intensity activity are associated with better outcomes,' says Dr Aguiar. 'These higher intensity minutes challenge the cardiovascular and respiratory systems the most, and elicit faster and stronger adaptations in aerobic fitness, even within as little as one week of exercise. Over time, this leads to better health overall.' Increasing the intensity of exercise was shown to improve the five cardiovascular risk factors for metabolic syndrome – abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL (or 'good' cholesterol) and elevated sugar levels. However, the biggest impact according to Dr Aguiar's study, was on blood pressure. To put this in the context of steps per day, if you're doing 8000-10,000 steps per day, you could focus on completing 2000-3000 of these steps (approximately 20-30 minutes) at a higher pace that elevates heart rate. 'Walking cadence above 100-steps-per-minute is associated with moderate intensity,' Dr Aguiar suggests. 'So walking for 20-30 minutes per day at a cadence above 100 steps per minute would be an excellent strategy to get better results, especially for those who are just starting out with exercise or who might prefer walking as their choice of exercise.' 5. Add potassium-rich avocado, banana and salmon to your weekly menu Around one in three adults suffer from hypertension in the UK, meaning they are at a great risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage and cognitive conditions such as dementia. Recent research by the University of Waterloo in Ontario suggests eating more potassium-rich foods may be more effective in lowering blood pressure than simply reducing salt and sodium intake alone. Because early humans ate lots of fruits and vegetables, the hypothesis is that over time our body's regulatory systems may have evolved to work best with a high potassium, low sodium diet. Anita Layton, professor of applied mathematics, computer science, pharmacy and biology at the University of Waterloo, and co-author of the maths-based study, concluded that adding more potassium-rich foods to your diet, such as bananas or broccoli, might have a greater positive impact on your blood pressure than just cutting sodium. 'We decided to look at a potential link between dietary potassium and blood pressure because our modern diet is so very different from that of our ancestors,' Layton explains. 'We eat so much sodium and so little potassium, whereas that ratio is reversed in our forebears, as well as people in isolated tribes, where high blood pressure is very rare.' The University of Waterloo findings reached a similar conclusion to research that appeared in the European Heart Journal that suggested people who had the most potassium in their diet were 13 per cent less likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people who consumed the least. 'In general, fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts are good sources of potassium,' says Prof Layton. 'Our model simulations also suggested that men may have a stronger response (measured by reduction in blood pressure) to an increase in dietary potassium-to-sodium ratio. That said, while healthy eating would almost certainly help, it won't entirely protect you from developing high blood pressure. Unfortunately, that is almost inevitable when you get older.' 6. Prioritise your interpersonal relationships When the 'epidemic of loneliness' became a seriously worrying problem at the end of the last decade, the World Health Organisation (WHO) was so concerned at the dangers it presented that they set up a task force to encourage behavioural health scientists to investigate it. Since then, studies have shown that prolonged periods of isolation are associated with increased stress and related changes in brain structure. Having healthy social networks, research shows, can increase the odds of living a long life by as much as 50 per cent. Julie Gibson Clarke, an independent but self-proclaimed 'reluctant' biohacker, is in no doubt how important social interaction is. As a 56-year-old single mother who has been able to reduce her biological age to ten years less than her physical age, and at a fraction of the cost of biohackers like Bryan Johnson who famously spends $2million a year to achieve similar results, we should pay attention. As Gibson Clarke says: 'In a world that often celebrates hyper-independence and optimisation, genuine connection is still one of the most powerful, evidence-backed ways to extend both lifespan and healthspan.' She has spent a year close to the top of the Rejuvenation Olympics leaderboard (a competition that challenges competitors to slow their biological ageing process) and maintains that investing in connections is vital to living longer. 'So many of the things that support longevity work synergistically, so it is hard to say which is the best… but if I had to choose one I'd say: prioritise meaningful relationships,' she says. 'And I say that as an introvert! For me, it doesn't mean being constantly social – it means being fully present when I'm with friends and family, investing in a deeper understanding of the people I care about, and favouring warm, positive interactions even over the occasional 'perfect' wellness routine.'
Fox News
5 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Smoking marijuana and eating cannabis gummies both linked to dangerous health risk, study finds
Long-term cannabis use in any form has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease. In a new study, researchers at UC San Francisco determined that eating edible cannabis, such as gummies, has the same impact on cardiovascular risk as smoking marijuana. The risk stems from reduced blood vessel function, according to the study, which was published in JAMA Cardiology on May 28. The study included 55 people between 18 and 50 years of age who were "outwardly healthy." The participants were divided into three groups: those who regularly smoked marijuana, those who ate edibles containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and those who didn't use cannabis, according to a UCSF press release. The cannabis users had been consuming the substance at least three times weekly for at least one year. On average, the smokers had the habit for 10 years, while those consuming edibles had been doing so for five years, the release noted. In September 2024, the participants underwent testing to determine how well their blood vessels functioned and whether the cells lining the blood vessels were affected. All cannabis users were found to have "decreased vascular function," comparable to those who smoke tobacco. Their blood vessel function was roughly half compared to those who did not use cannabis. This side effect has been linked to a higher risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, the researchers noted. The participants who smoked marijuana were also found to have changes in their blood serum that harmed cells lining their blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, an effect that was not seen in those who ate edible cannabis. The researchers noted that while smoking marijuana and consuming edibles both affect vascular function, they likely do so for different reasons. "Chronic cannabis smoking and THC ingestion were associated with endothelial dysfunction [impaired functioning of the endothelial cells lining the inside of blood vessels] similar to that observed in tobacco smokers, although apparently occurring via distinct mechanisms," the researchers wrote. "This study enhances the understanding of the potential risks to vascular health linked to cannabis use and provides more evidence that cannabis use is not benign." Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide, said he was not surprised by the study's findings. "We have known that the chronic use of THC-containing compounds can have negative health consequences — this study just reaffirms those prior studies," Serwer, who was not involved in the UCSF research, told Fox News Digital. The study did have some limitations. "Variability in cannabis strains complicates standardization," the researchers wrote. "Self-reported cannabis use may introduce recall bias; thus, participants were queried at multiple points: in the online survey, at the eligibility interview and before each visit." It was also challenging to determine whether blood vessel function could have also been affected by lifestyle factors like stress, caffeine and secondhand smoke exposure, they noted. Serwer pointed out that this was a "very small" study of only 55 people, all living in the San Francisco Bay area. "The decision to use or avoid it should be made with all benefits and risks in mind." "The study did not allow for variability in the different strains of cannabis, and they used a self-reporting survey, which can be under- or over-reported," he told Fox News Digital. "They looked for physiologic endpoints and not hard endpoints, such as heart attacks, strokes or death. We have to infer that the physiologic endpoints would result in cardiovascular events." The cardiologist said he agreed, however, with the conclusion that cannabis use is "not benign." "Chronic use does have potential cardiovascular risks," he warned. "There are therapeutic uses of cannabis, and the decision to use or avoid it should be made with all benefits and risks in mind." In general, Serwer said he cautions all of his patients to avoid any unnecessary cardiac risks. "As clinicians, we must weigh the benefits and the risks of a medicine/drug or intervention," he said. "If the risks outweigh the benefits, it should be avoided." For more Health articles, visit The study was funded mainly by the National Institute on Drug Abuse; the California Department of Cannabis Control; the California Tobacco-Related Disease Program; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and the FDA Center for Tobacco Products. Fox News Digital reached out to cannabis industry organizations requesting comment.
CNN
7 days ago
- Health
- CNN
Marijuana edibles and joints may cause early heart damage, study finds
Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. Healthy people who regularly smoked marijuana or consumed THC-laced edibles showed signs of early cardiovascular disease similar to tobacco smokers, a new small study found. 'To my knowledge, it's the first study looking at THC's impact on vascular function in humans,' said senior study author Matthew Springer, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. 'We're looking at a window in the future, showing the early changes that may explain why smoking marijuana has been linked to later heart disease,' Springer said. 'It appears the act of smoking and the THC itself both contribute to those changes in different ways.' Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the component of marijuana that provides a high. Prior research on mice found damage to blood vessels that supply oxygen to vital organs after exposure to marijuana smoke, Springer said. Whether marijuana smoke would impact the human vascular system, however, was unknown. 'We found that vascular function was reduced by 42% in marijuana smokers and by 56% in THC-edible users compared to nonusers,' lead study author Dr. Leila Mohammadi, an assistant researcher in cardiology at the University of California, San Francisco, said in an email. The research only shows an association, Springer said. 'We can only state that the cannabis users have poor vascular function, not that cannabis use causes poor vascular function,' he said via email. The findings on THC-laced edibles was surprising, said Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver. 'Could it be that other forms of marijuana — teas, tinctures, edibles — are perhaps not as benign as we once thought?' said Freeman, who was not involved in the study. 'We need larger studies to make a better conclusion about this finding.' A single layer of endothelial cells lines all of the body's blood vessels. When functioning properly, these specialized cells release chemicals such as nitric oxide that control the relaxing and contracting of the canal, thus regulating blood flow. Healthy endothelium cells also play a role in local cell growth and help prevent blood clotting. When endothelial cells are inflamed, plaque buildup can increase in arteries over time, potentially causing heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Damage to small blood vessels can also cause kidney and lung disease, comas, delirium, and dementia. The study, however, did not measure plaque, so the findings do not mean that blood vessels were currently blocked, Springer said. 'The vessels just don't grow in diameter in real time when they need to pass more blood, indicating an unhealthy vessel wall that presages later cardiovascular disease,' he said. Prior studies have found strong links between marijuana use and later cardiovascular disease. A February 2024 study found smoking, vaping or eating marijuana led to a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke, even if a person had no existing heart conditions and did not smoke or vape tobacco. Stroke risk rose 42% and the risk of heart attack rose 25% if cannabis was used daily, and risk climbed as the number of days of use of marijuana rose, the study found. Using marijuana every day can raise a person's risk of coronary artery disease by one-third compared with those who never partake, a February 2023 study found. The American Heart Association advises people to refrain from smoking or vaping any substance, including cannabis products, because of the potential harm to the heart, lungs and blood vessels. Guidance released in 2020 pointed to studies that found heart rhythm abnormalities, such as tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, could occur within an hour after weed containing THC was smoked. The 55 participants in the study were divided into three groups: people who smoked (not vaped) marijuana three or more times a week for at least a year, people who consumed THC edibles at least three times a week for at least a year, and nonusers. None of the 18- to 50-year-old people in the study were tobacco smokers or vapers, and all had little exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke. Researchers performed an ultrasound on the major artery in the upper right arm in each person, then applied an extremely tight blood pressure cuff for five minutes. After the cuff was removed, the artery was rescanned to see how well it had dilated, or widened, to handle the increased flow of blood, a process that needs the release of nitric oxide to occur. Damage to the endothelial cells that regulate dilation was related to the dose, according to the study. Study participants who used more marijuana had a greater risk of damage to blood vessels that carry oxygen to the body's organs. 'Higher cannabis use — whether smoked or ingested — is associated with poorer vascular function, highlighting the cardiovascular risks that increase with higher potency and frequency of use,' Mohammadi said. Additional tests of the neck and thigh checked the stiffness of each person's blood pressure walls. Compared with people who never used marijuana, cannabis users didn't appear to have additional stiffness of the walls of blood vessels, the study found. A separate analysis added blood serum from cannabis smokers and edible users to commercially purchased cultures of endothelial cell in the laboratory. Blood from people who used edibles laced with THC didn't appear to harm the cells — they continued to produce adequate nitric oxide. However, the endothelial cells incubated in serum from marijuana smokers released 27% less nitric oxide than those treated with blood from nonsmokers. That evidence is similar to what is found in tobacco, Springer said, pointing to a prior study by his team showing endothelial cells incubated in serum from tobacco smokers released 39% less nitric oxide than nonsmokers. 'The observations that marijuana smokers and THC users each have poor vascular function might make people conclude that the THC is responsible for all of this and the smoke is irrelevant,' Springer said. That would be an ill-advised conclusion, according to Springer, as there are reasons to believe that marijuana smoke itself is as responsible as THC for the damage to blood vessels. 'Rats exposed to marijuana smoke with no cannabinoids at all also had vascular and cardiac impairment, plus tobacco smoke is known to cause heart disease and it has no THC,' Springer said. 'So you do yourself no favors by switching from smoking tobacco to marijuana. Smoking marijuana just gives you a double hit — the smoke and the THC,' he said. As for marijuana edibles, teas, tinctures and the like? 'In people, there's like a Goldilocks zone for everything — too much doesn't do right, too little doesn't do right, but just right does fine,' Freeman said. 'We need further investigations to see if there is a Goldilocks zone to be found.'
