An analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (2010-2014) found that hospital admissions for heart attacks among cannabis users increased by 32%, with in-hospital mortality rising 60% (from 1.0% to 1.6%), predominantly affecting males (79.1%) with a mean age of 41 years.
Cardiologists; emergency physicians evaluating young MI patients; public health researchers tracking cannabis health impacts.
32% increase in AMI admissions and 60% rise in mortality among cannabis users (2010-2014)
What the researchers found
Researchers examined trends in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among cannabis users using the National Inpatient Sample from 2010 to 2014.
Key findings:
- AMI admissions among cannabis users increased 32% over the study period (p = 0.001).
- Mean age was 41 years and remained stable.
- AMI was predominant in males (79.1%), with a 38.3% increase in prevalence among female cannabis users.
- In-hospital mortality increased 60% (1.0% in 2010 to 1.6% in 2014).
- Mean hospitalization costs averaged $65,879 per admission.
- Mean length of stay showed a decreasing trend (p = 0.003) while costs increased (p = 0.024).
- Moderate-to-severe morbidity was prevalent (p = 0.001).
Why it matters
The 32% increase in AMI admissions among cannabis users and 60% rise in mortality represent concerning trends. While this may partly reflect increased cannabis use and improved detection, it suggests a growing cardiovascular burden that warrants clinical attention.
The numbers in context
32% increase in AMI admissions among cannabis users (p = 0.001). Mean age: 41 years. Male predominance: 79.1%. Female prevalence increase: 38.3%. In-hospital mortality: 1.0% (2010) to 1.6% (2014), 60% increase. Mean hospitalization cost: $65,879.
How the study worked
Retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2010-2014. AMI as primary diagnosis (N = 379,843). Cannabis use disorder as secondary diagnosis. Trend analysis with Pearson chi-square and independent t-tests.
What this study cannot tell us
Retrospective database study relying on ICD codes. Cannabis use disorder diagnosis likely undercounts actual cannabis use. Cannot determine causation or dose-response. Increasing trends may partly reflect increased cannabis use detection and documentation rather than true incidence changes.
How to read the evidence
Moderate. Large national database with clear trend data, but retrospective design and reliance on diagnostic codes limit causal inference.
When this study was published
Published in 2018 using 2010-2014 data. Cannabis cardiovascular research has continued to expand.
The bigger picture
As cannabis use increases with legalization, the cardiovascular implications are becoming more apparent. Young adults having heart attacks is unusual, and the increasing trend among cannabis users suggests this is not a coincidental finding.
Questions still open
- Is the rising mortality from worse cannabis, sicker patients, or a true drug effect? Does cannabis method (smoking vs edibles) affect AMI risk differently? Would cannabis cessation programs reduce AMI rates in young adults?
Common questions
Can marijuana cause a heart attack?
Why are cannabis users having heart attacks at age 41?
Read the original research
Cannabis Use Disorder in Young Adults with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Trend Inpatient Study from 2010 to 2014 in the United States.
Cureus, 10(8), e3241
Citation
Patel, Rikinkumar S; Katta, Shailaja Reddy; Patel, Riddhi; Ravat, Virendrasinh; Gudipalli, Ravikumar; Patel, Viralkumar; Patel, Jenil. (2018). Cannabis Use Disorder in Young Adults with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Trend Inpatient Study from 2010 to 2014 in the United States.. Cureus, 10(8), e3241. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.3241
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