Marijuana use linked to more complications after coronary bypass surgery
Among 343,796 coronary bypass patients, marijuana users had significantly higher odds of kidney injury (40%), heart attack (56%), and stroke (64%) after surgery, though mortality was not significantly different.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Marijuana users had significantly increased odds of AKI (OR 1.40), AMI (OR 1.56), TIA/stroke (OR 1.64), longer LOS (OR 1.14), and decreased odds of home discharge (OR 1.50). In-hospital mortality showed a nonsignificant decrease (OR 0.41, CI crossed 1.0).
Key Numbers
343,796 patients (590 marijuana users). AKI OR: 1.40 (1.11-1.78). AMI OR: 1.56 (1.32-1.84). TIA/stroke OR: 1.64 (1.21-2.22). LOS: 10.4 vs. 9.8 days. Home discharge OR: 1.50 (1.24-1.81). Mortality OR: 0.41 (0.14-1.12, NS).
How They Did This
National Inpatient Sample database (2008-2018), 343,796 CABG patients (590 marijuana users). Multivariable models adjusted for confounders compared outcomes between marijuana users (abuse/dependency codes) and non-users.
Why This Research Matters
This is the first study examining marijuana use and outcomes after coronary bypass surgery. The elevated complication rates suggest preoperative cannabis screening and counseling may be warranted for cardiac surgery patients.
The Bigger Picture
Marijuana users were significantly younger (mean 56 vs. 66 years), suggesting they developed coronary disease requiring bypass at earlier ages. The combination of earlier disease and worse surgical outcomes raises concerns about cardiovascular health in chronic cannabis users.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Administrative database using ICD codes for marijuana abuse/dependency likely captures only severe use. Younger marijuana users may differ in other risk factors. Cannot assess cannabis consumption method, frequency, or timing relative to surgery.
Questions This Raises
- ?Should marijuana users be counseled to abstain before cardiac surgery?
- ?Is the younger age of bypass surgery in marijuana users a coincidence or evidence of accelerated coronary disease?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- OR 1.64 for stroke after bypass
- Evidence Grade:
- Large national database with multivariable adjustment, but ICD-based exposure measurement captures only severe use and small marijuana group limits precision.
- Study Age:
- 2024 analysis of National Inpatient Sample data from 2008-2018
- Original Title:
- Association Between Marijuana Use and Clinical Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
- Published In:
- The Journal of surgical research, 295, 442-448 (2024)
- Authors:
- Bellam, Krishna G, Sabe, Sharif A, Chalasani, Nishanth, Feldman, Noah, Huang, Nicholas R, Harwell, Anthony, Sellke, Frank, Ehsan, Afshin
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05131
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Does marijuana increase the risk of complications after heart surgery?
In this study, marijuana users had significantly higher odds of kidney injury, heart attack, and stroke after coronary bypass surgery, though mortality was not significantly different.
Why were marijuana users younger?
Marijuana users averaged 56 years compared to 66 for non-users. This could suggest cannabis contributes to earlier coronary disease, though the study could not determine causation.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05131APA
Bellam, Krishna G; Sabe, Sharif A; Chalasani, Nishanth; Feldman, Noah; Huang, Nicholas R; Harwell, Anthony; Sellke, Frank; Ehsan, Afshin. (2024). Association Between Marijuana Use and Clinical Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.. The Journal of surgical research, 295, 442-448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2023.11.015
MLA
Bellam, Krishna G, et al. "Association Between Marijuana Use and Clinical Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.." The Journal of surgical research, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2023.11.015
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Association Between Marijuana Use and Clinical Outcomes Afte..." RTHC-05131. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/bellam-2024-association-between-marijuana-use
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.