Heart attacks in cannabis users increased 32% from 2010 to 2014, with a 60% rise in in-hospital mortality
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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).
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 32% increase in AMI admissions and 60% rise in mortality among cannabis users (2010-2014)
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate. Large national database with clear trend data, but retrospective design and reliance on diagnostic codes limit causal inference.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2018 using 2010-2014 data. Cannabis cardiovascular research has continued to expand.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis Use Disorder in Young Adults with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Trend Inpatient Study from 2010 to 2014 in the United States.
- Published In:
- Cureus, 10(8), e3241 (2018)
- Authors:
- Patel, Rikinkumar S(7), Katta, Shailaja Reddy, Patel, Riddhi(2), Ravat, Virendrasinh, Gudipalli, Ravikumar, Patel, Viralkumar, Patel, Jenil
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01786
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can marijuana cause a heart attack?
This study shows increasing heart attack rates among cannabis users, and other research has identified mechanisms by which cannabis can stress the heart (increased heart rate, blood pressure changes, coronary vasospasm). While causation is not proven by this database study, the biological plausibility is supported.
Why are cannabis users having heart attacks at age 41?
Heart attacks at age 41 are unusual. Cannabis may contribute through acute cardiovascular stress, chronic vascular effects, or interaction with other risk factors. The mean age remaining stable at 41 throughout the study period suggests this is not simply an aging cohort effect.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01786APA
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
MLA
Patel, Rikinkumar S, et al. "Cannabis Use Disorder in Young Adults with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Trend Inpatient Study from 2010 to 2014 in the United States.." Cureus, 2018. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.3241
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis Use Disorder in Young Adults with Acute Myocardial ..." RTHC-01786. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/patel-2018-cannabis-use-disorder-in
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.