Cannabis Smoking Linked to Wellens Syndrome, a Rare Warning of Impending Heart Attack | Research

The takeaway

A young man with no CAD risk factors developed Wellens syndrome associated with cannabis smoking.

Emergency physicians, cardiologists, and young cannabis users.

What the researchers found

Young male, no risk factors, serial ECG changes of Wellens syndrome. Cannabis smoking history led to timely diagnosis. Required invasive treatment.

Why it matters

Wellens syndrome requires invasive treatment. Cannabis as a trigger in young patients without risk factors is clinically important.

The numbers in context

Young male. No CAD risk factors. Minimally elevated troponin. Invasive strategy required.

How the study worked

Case report with serial ECGs and troponin monitoring.

What this study cannot tell us

Single case. Cannot prove causation.

How to read the evidence

Case report adding to cardiovascular risk literature.

When this study was published

2025 case report.

The bigger picture

Clinicians should consider cannabis as a risk factor for ACS in young patients without traditional risk factors.

Questions still open

How often does cannabis trigger ACS?
Should cannabis history change diagnostic approach for young chest pain?

Common questions

Can cannabis cause heart problems?

This case describes Wellens syndrome in a young man associated with cannabis, despite no traditional risk factors.

What is Wellens syndrome?

An ECG pattern warning of impending heart attack, requiring invasive treatment.

Read the original research

Cannabis-Induced Wellens Syndrome: A Rising Cardiovascular Risk.

Cureus, 17(7), e88068

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Unal, Selin; Rattan, Keston; Khan, Mir Sulayman; Wang, Roy; Amro, Omar; Bukharovich, Inna. (2025). Cannabis-Induced Wellens Syndrome: A Rising Cardiovascular Risk.. Cureus, 17(7), e88068. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.88068