Did Cannabis Precipitate an STEMI in a Young Woman?

Abstract

Cannabis is a substance that contains compounds that bind cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Cannabis also contains substances that do not bind these receptors. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the compound in cannabis responsible for its psychoactive effects and binding to cannabinoid receptors. Despite increasing popularity of the medical and recreational uses of cannabis, little attention has been paid to the adverse effects of the use of the substance. Evidence demonstrating an association between cannabis use and acute coronary syndromes has emerged with case reports and in vitro studies. This case report highlights an ST-segment myocardial infarction in a 27-year-old female with little cardiovascular risk factors, but a significant history of frequent cannabis use.

Cardiovascular Effects of Medical Marijuana: A Systematic Review

“…The possibility of adverse cardiovascular effects should be discussed with patients using medical marijuana, especially those with significant cardiac comorbidities. 37 Experimental study 108 participants Increased systolic BP None Compared the effect of ascorbic acid in marijuana, tobacco and caffeine users 53 Case report 1 (27/F) Chest pain STEMI Marijuana use associated with STEMI 63 Case report 1 (23/F) VFib, tachycardia Cardiac arrest None Draz et al, 2017 64 Cross-sectional study 138 patients Acute MI None 87% of the patients who were positive for marijuana at the time of admission for acute coronary syndrome were found to have STEMI Efe et al, 2016 65 Case report 1 (23/M) Shortness of breath, palpitations…”