Cannabis use was associated with a 71% increased risk of atrial arrhythmias | Research

The takeaway

A meta-analysis of 14 studies covering 81 million participants found cannabis use associated with 71% higher odds of atrial arrhythmias, with risk further elevated by concurrent drug use and legal country status.

Cardiologists, electrophysiologists, primary care providers

71% increased risk of atrial arrhythmias with cannabis use across 81 million participants

What the researchers found

Cannabis associated with 71% increased atrial arrhythmia risk (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.1-2.6); risk higher with concomitant drug use (OR 1.91) and in cannabis-legal countries (OR 1.93); 12.5% of cannabis users had AA vs 2.7% of controls.

Why it matters

As cannabis use expands globally, the cardiovascular risk profile is becoming clearer, and atrial arrhythmias represent a serious but potentially underrecognized consequence.

The numbers in context

14 studies; 81.2M participants; 1,578,033 with AA (1.9%); cannabis users: 12.5% AA vs controls: 2.7%; overall OR 1.71 (1.1-2.6); concomitant drug use OR 1.91; legal countries OR 1.93.

How the study worked

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 observational studies (5 prospective); 81,230,930 participants from North America, Europe, Oceania; random effects model; PROSPERO registered.

What this study cannot tell us

All observational studies; heterogeneity in cannabis use definitions; cannot determine dose-response; confounding by tobacco and other substances; no teenage population data.

How to read the evidence

Large meta-analysis with registered protocol and consistent direction of effect, but observational data cannot establish causation.

When this study was published

Published 2025, search through April 2024

The bigger picture

This adds atrial arrhythmias to the growing list of cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis, alongside myocardial infarction and stroke.

Questions still open

Is the arrhythmia risk dose-dependent? Does it persist after cessation? Why is risk higher in legal countries (higher-potency products or better detection)?

Common questions

Does cannabis cause heart rhythm problems?

This meta-analysis found cannabis use was associated with 71% higher odds of atrial arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats from the upper chambers), though observational data cannot prove causation.

Did other factors increase the risk further?

Yes. Concurrent use of other drugs and living in countries where cannabis is legal were both associated with even higher arrhythmia risk.

Read the original research

Cannabis use and atrial arrhythmias: A systematic review and meta-analysis of large populational studies.

Heart rhythm

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Chye, David M; Sampaio Rodrigues, Thalys; Quarto, Levindo J G; Young, Naomie; Hamilton, Garry W; Burrell, Louise M; Teh, Andrew W; Lim, Han S; Koshy, Anoop N. (2025). Cannabis use and atrial arrhythmias: A systematic review and meta-analysis of large populational studies.. Heart rhythm. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2025.05.062