Can marijuana increase risk of heart rhythm disorder?
**Medical Marijuana and Heart Health: New Research Highlights Potential Risks**
Medical marijuana is becoming increasingly popular worldwide as a treatment for long-term pain. However, new research suggests it might not be completely safe for the heart.
A recent study from Gentofte University Hospital in Denmark found that people using medical cannabis to manage chronic pain may have a slightly higher risk of developing irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias. While the overall risk remains low, these findings raise important concerns about the safety of marijuana, even when used for medical purposes.
### Study Details
Researchers analyzed data from a national health database containing information on about 1.6 million people in Denmark receiving treatment for chronic pain conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and nervous system disorders. Among these patients, just under 4,600 had been prescribed medical cannabis at least once.
The study compared medical cannabis users with non-users and discovered that those who used medical marijuana were 64% more likely to develop an arrhythmia within six months of their first prescription.
### Understanding the Risk
Although a 64% increase in risk sounds alarming, the actual difference was small. Only 0.9% of medical marijuana users developed an arrhythmia, compared to 0.5% of non-users — meaning less than one out of 100 users experienced this heart issue.
Still, the noticeable increase prompted scientists to look more closely at potential heart risks associated with medical cannabis.
### Forms of Medical Cannabis Studied
In Denmark, medical cannabis is available in three main forms:
– A liquid or spray containing cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound from the cannabis plant.
– A tea combining CBD and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for marijuana’s “high.”
– Dronabinol, a man-made version of THC.
All three types were included in the study, and the risk of arrhythmia was found to be similar across them.
### Possible Causes of Heart Effects
The study did not pinpoint why marijuana might affect heart rhythm. However, previous research shows that cannabis compounds, particularly THC and CBD, can influence heart rate, blood pressure, and blood clotting — all of which could potentially alter how the heart beats.
Arrhythmias vary in severity. Some are harmless and produce mild symptoms like a fluttering sensation, while others can lead to serious problems such as stroke or heart failure. The study did not specify which types of arrhythmias occurred, so the level of danger remains unclear.
### Other Factors to Consider
Many participants in the study were suffering from severe chronic pain, which itself can stress the body and increase arrhythmia risk. Additionally, many were also taking opioids for pain relief, medications known to affect heart health.
This means the observed heart risks might not be due solely to marijuana use but could result from a combination of pain, stress, and other treatments.
### Implications for Patients and Healthcare Providers
This research contributes to ongoing debates about the benefits and risks of cannabis. While medical marijuana can be an effective tool for pain management, doctors and patients should discuss potential heart risks—especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
Anyone starting medical cannabis should be closely monitored for signs of heart problems to ensure their safety.
### The Need for Further Research
The study’s authors emphasize the need for larger and longer-term research to determine whether marijuana directly causes specific arrhythmias or if other factors play significant roles.
As cannabis use grows for both medical and recreational purposes, understanding its effects on the body is crucial. This knowledge will empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health.
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**For those interested in heart health, consider reading more about:**
– The root causes of heart rhythm disorders
– How warning signals from the kidneys can predict future heart failure risk
– The surprising link between alcohol consumption and heart health
– How blood pressure numbers can predict heart disease risk
Stay informed and consult healthcare professionals when considering medical marijuana or managing heart health.
https://knowridge.com/2025/11/can-marijuana-increase-risk-of-heart-rhythm-disorder/
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