Cardiologists Alarmed by Surge in Heart Failures Tied to Cannabis and Smoking

Experts have expressed concern that heart diseases and related fatalities are likely to rise by as much as 50 percent in the next five years. The primary reasons behind this anticipated surge are the increasing use of tobacco and marijuana in recent times, they said. This information was revealed in two new studies presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2025 Scientific Sessions held in Washington, D.C. These studies reiterated the cardiovascular risks posed by the consumption of tobacco and marijuana.

Researchers from Wayne State University focused their study on ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease). They analyzed health data of individuals aged over 25 years from the period 1999 to 2020. Based on this data, they estimated that by the year 2030, deaths due to heart diseases caused by tobacco use may rise by 43.7 percent. While the mortality rate among women has seen a decline, the threat has significantly increased among men. “Tobacco-related ischemic heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death. Identifying the groups at highest risk is critical for designing effective public health programs,” said Rupesh Vempati, a researcher at Wayne State University.

Another study was conducted by researchers at Sinai Hospital in the United States. They examined more than 1.3 million patients suffering from heart failure. The findings revealed that individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) are at a substantially higher risk of severe cardiac issues. Among patients with heart failure and CUD, the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack was found to be 50 percent higher, the risk of developing cardiogenic shock (a condition where the heart fails to pump sufficient blood) was 27 percent higher, and the probability of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) was 48 percent higher. In light of these results, Dr. Syed Ishaq, Internal Medicine Resident at Sinai Hospital, emphasized the need to create awareness among patients about the cardiac risks associated with marijuana use.