Pubdate: Thu, 24 Apr 2014
Source: Yorkshire Post (UK)
Copyright: 2014 Johnston Press New Media
Contact: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/contactus.aspx
Website: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2239
Page: 15

HEART WARNING OVER CANNABIS USE IN YOUNGER PEOPLE

SMOKING CANNABIS can cause potentially lethal damage to the heart and
arteries of young and middle-aged adults, a study found.

Researchers in France who looked at almost 2,000 patients with medical
problems related to cannabis use identified 35 serious instances of
cardiovascular complications. Twenty heart attacks were recorded, as
well as 10 cases involving arteries in the limbs, and three affecting
blood vessels in the brain.

Nine patients, around a quarter of the total, died. Most of the
patients were male, with an average age of 34.3 years.

Lead scientist Dr Emilie Jouanjus, from the University of Toulouse,
said: "The general public thinks marijuana is harmless, but
information revealing the potential health dangers of marijuana use
needs to be disseminated to the public, policy makers and healthcare
providers."

Previous research by her team found several "remarkable" cases of
young cannabis users being admitted to hospital with cardiovascular
complications.

"This unexpected finding deserved to be further analysed, especially
given that the medicinal use of marijuana has become more prevalent
and some governments are legalising its use," she said.

"There is now compelling evidence on the growing risk of
marijuana-associated adverse cardiovascular effects, especially in
young people," said Dr Jouanjus.
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MAP posted-by: Matt