“People should be aware of this devastating outcome and be careful when using cannabis if they have a concomitant heart problem,” said study author Dr.
Marijuana or cannabis is the most commonly used psychoactive substance worldwide.2 However, there is limited knowledge about safety of the drug in people with cardiac arrhythmias.
The study was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample database, which covers 97% of the US population.
The researchers compared deaths between the two groups after adjusting for factors that could influence the relationship including age, sex, race, income, diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and hospital location.
Thangjui said: “Our study highlights that heart rhythm disorders may be a warning sign for an increased risk of death in people who use cannabis.