Cannabis smoking and acute coronary syndrome: two illustrative cases

Int J Cardiol. 2008 Aug 18;128(2):e54-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.04.167. Epub 2007 Aug 17.

Abstract

Cannabis is a common substance of drug abuse among the young adults because of its euphoric and addictive effects. The pathophysiological effects of cannabis smoking and its relation to adverse cardiovascular events are well known. However, the relative contribution of cannabis smoking when combined with tobacco smoking to coronary artery disease is unclear and has not been well emphasized. We describe two cases of acute coronary syndrome occurring in cannabis smokers who were tobacco smoker too. One, a 23 year old young boy who suffered from hypertension and acute coronary syndrome at a very young age and other, a 50 year old male admitted with acute coronary syndrome, developed asymptomatic dynamic electrocardiographic changes and had beta-blocker induced severe bronchospasm. The modifiable nature of cannabis smoking and cigarette smoking, which often go hand in hand, needs no over emphasis. The cessation of twin smoking habits along with correction of other coronary artery disease risk factors is an important part of primary and secondary prevention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / etiology*
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Bronchial Spasm / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists