SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) — A new study featured in the medical journal “Heart” is causing concern regarding marijuana usage and its possible link to heart disease, presenting evidence that suggests cannabis users might have double the risk of dying from heart-related issues.
To interpret these findings, Dr. Alexandra Kharazi, a cardiothoracic surgeon based in San Diego, discussed the study with Nexstar’s KSWB, stressing the importance of context and caution in understanding the results.
“This is a meta-analysis, which means it’s a summary of numerous observational studies,” Dr. Kharazi noted. “Although the data indicates a significant association, it doesn’t imply causation. These studies fail to consider confounding factors such as other substance use or individual health conditions.”
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and while the study may suggest marijuana could be an additional risk factor, Dr. Kharazi stressed that the risk varies widely depending on the individual.
“Someone with multiple cardiovascular risk factors who uses marijuana recreationally might be at higher risk,” she said. “But for others—like cancer patients using it medicinally to manage chemo-related symptoms—the benefits might outweigh the risks.”
Dr. Kharazi, who performs complex and high-risk heart surgeries in San Diego, says the conversation around cannabis needs to be personalized.
“I’m not anti-cannabis. I’m pro-conversation,” she said. “I ask my patients who tell me if they are using marijuana. Why are you using it? How often? What are your other health factors?”
As for the method of consumption, Dr. Kharazi says smoking of any kind is detrimental to lung and heart health, especially for surgical patients.
“If you can avoid smoking—whether it’s marijuana or tobacco—it will improve your outcomes.”
While the findings may raise parental eyebrows, Dr. Kharazi noted, “Will I use this study to scare my daughter? Yes,” she laughed. “But in the real world, the impact really depends on the individual and their health picture.”
