Marijuana users face a much higher risk of heart attack than nonusers—even if they’re young and relatively healthy, two new studies suggest.
The [first study](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2025.101698) included data from 4.6 million people in the United States, all 50 years of age or younger.
At the start, they had healthy blood pressure and cholesterol readings, no history of coronary artery disease or diabetes, and didn’t smoke tobacco.
But after about 3 years of follow-up, researchers found pot users were over six times more likely to have experienced a heart attack than nonusers.
Their odds for stroke, heart failure and cardiovascular death were also significantly higher, according to the results.
The lead author says people who use the drug need to be made aware.
He also says, “Asking about cannabis use should be part of clinicians’ workup to understand patients’ overall cardiovascular risk, similar to asking about smoking cigarettes.”
The second study analyzed data from 12 previous investigations that included over 75 million people who were also relatively young.
The results showed active pot users were 50% more likely to experience a heart attack than nonusers.
It’s not clear exactly how marijuana impacts the cardiovascular system, but the researchers say it may affect heart rhythm, heighten oxygen demand in the heart muscle, make it harder for the blood vessels to relax, and expand and interrupt blood flow.
They say additional studies are needed to look at the impact of different levels of marijuana exposure.
Sources: [JACC Advances](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2025.101698), American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session
Author Affiliations: Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, Texas Tech University, Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Emerson Health