Science gives marijuana users good news for their hearts

Science continues to prove that cannabis has medicinal benefits… and more and more people are recognizing the value of the plant

While the debate over reclassifying marijuana continues, science continues to prove that cannabis has medicinal benefits. Although more research is needed in many areas, medical organizations conclude that the plant helps with medical conditions. And now there's good news for marijuana users for their hearts, too.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, men, and people of most racial and ethnic groups. Known as a silent killer, it can strike without warning. In the United States and Canada alone, over 600,000 people have died from it. But science has made great strides in open-heart surgery and other key factors in heart health.

RELATED TOPICS: What we know about the effects of medical marijuana on heart disease

Despite the negative perception of cannabis, it is alcohol that worsens heart problems. Heavy alcohol consumption is linked to heart disease. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, or stroke. It can also contribute to cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart muscle.

Photo by LPETTET/Getty Images

While heavy marijuana use can lead to cardiovascular complications, light to moderate use appears to have at least some benefit. A study conducted by the American Heart Association shows that cannabis users have a lower risk of atrial fibrillation. The researchers compared the health status, length of hospital stay and death rates of cannabis users and non-users.

She observed a significantly lower likelihood of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in cannabis users. In addition, cannabis users were also less likely to die in hospital. The researchers were also surprised by the fact that cannabis users also had shorter hospital stays than non-cannabis users.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often very fast heart rhythm. An irregular heart rhythm is called an arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots in the heart. The condition also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart complications. The intensive study found no evidence that cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, contrary to some other evidence.

Despite the good news, more research is needed and the federal government needs to recognize the plant's benefits before it becomes part of mainstream treatments for heart disease, cancer and other illnesses.