Does cannabis affect the heart and circulation?

Does cannabis affect the heart and circulation? Yes: according to the Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen, cannabis can raise the heart rate. Existing heart problems can worsen in individual cases. The research on long-term risks is more extensive but has not conclusively settled the question. This article explains the acute effects, the studies and the practical consequences.

Acute effects on the heart

After use, the heart can beat faster. Many people feel their heart pounding. These effects usually occur short-term. If you have pre-existing heart conditions, take them seriously.

The Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen explicitly lists a pounding heart among the acute effects. If you feel your pulse and are unsure, take a break and seek rest.

Pre-existing heart conditions

The Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen points out that existing heart problems can worsen in individual cases, because cannabinoids sometimes raise the heart rate. According to BIÖG, newer studies suggest that cannabis use can damage the cardiovascular system, for example in the form of cardiac arrhythmias and vascular damage. BIÖG also cites researchers whose findings suggest that use of illegal drugs such as cannabis roughly triples the risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Anyone with a heart condition should therefore seek medical advice before using.

A medical assessment is the right approach, because it weighs the personal situation.

Anxiety and panic

Besides the physical effects, prevention names anxiety and feelings of panic as short-term risks. These can also be felt in the heartbeat. Panic can feel like racing heart and shortness of breath.

If you notice this in yourself, sit down, breathe calmly and, if possible, bring in a trusted person. If the complaints persist or are very strong, medical help is needed.

The Canadian study

A Canadian study of around 30,000 people reports a roughly 60 percent higher occurrence of cardiovascular disease among cannabis users. The researchers, however, state that their results provide no proof of a causal link. That matters, because use and illness can occur together without one causing the other.

This is an association, and a proven trigger has not been shown.

The study on daily use

Another analysis looked at around 400,000 adults in the USA. It showed a link between daily cannabis use and heart attack and stroke. Here too, the study cannot prove that cannabis causes heart attacks and strokes.

Anyone who uses daily and is worried about their heart can discuss this with a doctor, particularly if other risk factors are present.

Mixed use with alcohol

Cannabis and alcohol together put a strong strain on the circulation. According to BIÖG, the combination often leads to nausea and vomiting.

After use, do not drive. From 3.5 ng/ml THC in blood serum, a journey is a regulatory offence under section 24a(1a) StVG, and the DHS advises intoxicated people not to operate vehicles or machinery.

Who should take particular care

People with existing heart diseases should be especially careful. They should seek medical advice before using, because the DHS explicitly names heart problems as an area in which complaints can worsen.

Prevention: protecting the heart

The most important prevention is knowledge about your own health. Anyone with heart problems speaks to a doctor before using. Anyone who uses cannabis watches for warning signs such as racing heart, chest pain or shortness of breath.

When to seek help

For chest pain, severe racing heart, fainting or shortness of breath, call the emergency number 112 immediately. For less severe complaints that persist, a doctor is the right contact. For questions about your own use, you can reach the Sucht und Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031 (calls are charged, daily from 8 am to midnight).

What to watch for when complaints occur

After use, watch for racing heart, chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath. Note when the complaints occur and how long they last. These details help a doctor assess the situation.

Protecting the heart in everyday life

Anyone with heart problems should get medical advice before every use. Anyone who drinks alcohol should not combine it with cannabis, because this increases the strain on the circulation.

Further reading: What role does the THC content play for the risk?, What happens when cannabis and alcohol are consumed together? and When do you need an emergency call with cannabis?

What you can do now

• Have your heart checked by a doctor if you have pre-existing conditions or use daily.
• Avoid combining cannabis and alcohol.
• Watch for racing heart, chest pain and shortness of breath, and act quickly.
• In an emergency, call the emergency number 112.