Findings of the study that surprised the researchers:
In a randomized trial, habitual cannabis users had about 9% fewer premature heartbeats on days they consumed cannabis compared with days they didn’t. The extra heartbeat is a predictor of atrial fibrillation- a condition often described by patients as a really fast heartbeat where they feel like gasping for air.
To their surprise the findings were counterintuitive. According to their hypothesis cannabis was supposed to increase the abnormal heartbeats. But they were proven wrong by the results.
What does this study NOT support?
We certainly can’t draw the conclusion that cannabis is good for heart. The researchers are very clear about this. Because the study was small, short and only the regular users were taken into consideration we can’t draw inferences about long term heart health.
KEYPOINT
Although this study challenged the hypothesis, it still can serve as a hint. We can’t comprehend how cannabis affects the heart but the field is worth investigating. The findings may not be celebratory but can be used to understand the underlying mechanism without promoting the drug as such.
What would you do if you find yourself in a situation where a patient excitedly comes to you and ask “According to this study I can inhale cannabis as it is good for my heart.” Share your thoughts below.
MBH/PS