Cannabis Users Had Significantly Higher Rates of Heart Rhythm Problems Than Matched Controls | Research

The takeaway

In a matched study of over 420,000 patients, cannabis users had 55% higher risk of atrial fibrillation, 79% higher risk of rapid heart rhythms, and nearly triple the risk of dangerous ventricular arrhythmias compared to ibuprofen users.

Cardiologists, cannabis users with heart conditions, primary care providers, and public health researchers.

What the researchers found

Cannabis use was associated with significantly increased risk of atrial fibrillation/flutter (HR 1.549), paroxysmal tachycardia (HR 1.791), premature beats (HR 1.739), and ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (HR 2.839) compared to propensity score-matched ibuprofen users.

Why it matters

As cannabis use becomes more common, understanding its cardiovascular risks is essential. This large-scale study provides some of the strongest evidence to date that cannabis use is associated with multiple types of heart rhythm disturbances.

The numbers in context

210,817 cannabis users matched with 210,817 ibuprofen users. AF/AFL: HR 1.549 (1,895 vs 1,332 cases). Paroxysmal tachycardia: HR 1.791 (1,065 vs 672). Premature beats: HR 1.739 (1,135 vs 745). VT/VF: HR 2.839 (97 vs 35 cases).

How the study worked

Retrospective cohort study using deidentified electronic health records from 68 U.S. healthcare organizations (TriNetX network). 210,817 cannabis users were matched 1:1 with 210,817 ibuprofen users using propensity score matching across 17 baseline variables. Cox proportional hazards models assessed incident arrhythmia diagnoses.

What this study cannot tell us

Retrospective observational design cannot prove causation. Ibuprofen users as a comparison group may introduce bias. Cannabis use was identified from health records, which may not capture all users or usage patterns. Confounders may remain despite matching.

How to read the evidence

Very large sample with propensity score matching across 17 variables, though retrospective observational design has inherent limitations.

When this study was published

Published 2025.

The bigger picture

Heart rhythm disturbances can range from benign to life-threatening. The finding that ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation — the most dangerous arrhythmia — showed the strongest association with cannabis use raises important safety questions that need further investigation.

Questions still open

What mechanism drives cannabis-associated arrhythmia risk — direct THC effects on ion channels, autonomic nervous system effects, or something else? Does dose or frequency matter? Are certain cannabis products riskier for heart rhythm?

Common questions

Should people with heart conditions avoid cannabis?

This study suggests cannabis users face elevated arrhythmia risk. People with existing heart rhythm conditions should discuss cannabis use with their cardiologist, as the risk of dangerous ventricular arrhythmias was nearly triple that of controls.

Why were cannabis users compared to ibuprofen users?

Ibuprofen users served as an active comparator group to reduce healthy-user bias. Both groups sought healthcare for a reason, making them more comparable than cannabis users vs. the general population.

Read the original research

Cannabis Use and the Risk of Arrhythmias: Insights From a Large Retrospective Multicenter Analysis.

Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology, 36(12), 3261-3267

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Vargas, Juan; Pillai, Keerthana Jyotheeswara; Tocquica-Gahona, Christian; Mahajan, Pranav; Chandna, Sanya; Vyas, Vrinda; Paulraj, Shweta; Yadav, Ritu; Nagarakanti, Rangadham; Raj, Kavin. (2025). Cannabis Use and the Risk of Arrhythmias: Insights From a Large Retrospective Multicenter Analysis.. Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology, 36(12), 3261-3267. https://doi.org/10.1111/jce.70135