Cannabis, more often referred to as marijuana, is a plant that has been utilized for decades due to the psychotropic and therapeutic effects it possesses. In recent years, there has been a growing corpus of studies on the impact of cannabis on the cardiovascular system. These studies have been conducted both in the United States and internationally.
The capacity of cannabis to speed up one’s heart rate is one of the drug’s effects that receives the most attention. This is because of the effect that the plant’s primary psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, has on the cardiovascular areas of the brain. When THC attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, this sets off a chain reaction that ultimately increases the heart’s pace.
The degree to which one’s heart rate speeds up after using cannabis is contingent on several variables, the most important of which are the quantity of THC used, the route of administration, and the individual’s preexisting state of cardiovascular health. However, in most cases, the user will experience an increased heart rate of between 20 and 50 beats per minute after smoking cannabis.
An elevated heart rate poses a health risk for individuals with preexisting cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure. This is because it increases the chance of having a heart attack or cardiovascular event by putting additional strain on the heart.
Cardiovascular System
Cannabis is known to produce many alterations in the cardiovascular system, including an increase in blood pressure, a decrease in the quantities of oxygen in the blood, and an increase in the heart’s pace. People with cardiac disease may be more vulnerable to the dangers posed by these changes.
Because of these factors, those with heart disease should exercise caution when considering the use of cannabis. If they decide to use it anyway, the best course of action is to start with a modest dose and carefully monitor how fast their heart is beating.
In addition to the risks already associated with heart disease, there is some evidence that frequent cannabis use may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in the general population. However, to corroborate these findings, further study is required.
Evidence shows that cannabis may have several consequences detrimental to the cardiovascular system. These consequences can be particularly harmful to individuals already suffering from heart disease. If you suffer from heart problems, you must see your physician before beginning to use cannabis.
Regarding Your Heart Health and Cannabis
The effects of cannabis on the heart are proportional to the amount consumed. The larger the dosage, the more significant the rise in heart rate and other modifications to the cardiovascular system.
The short-term effects of cannabis on the cardiovascular system are quickly reversed. After usage, the increased heart rate will typically return to normal within a few hours.
With continued usage, a tolerance to the effects that cannabis has on the cardiovascular system can develop. This indicates that people who use cannabis consistently may not have the same elevation in heart rate as they did when they initially started using it.
Talk to your medical provider if you are concerned about the impact cannabis may have on the health of your heart. They can assist you in evaluating the risks specific to your situation and guide you on whether or not you should use cannabis.
