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Cannabis and the Cardiovascular System

Cannabis and the Cardiovascular System Though the primary target of addictive psychoactive substances is the brain, the heart does not always remain unmolested. It may become involved directly, as in alcohol cardiomyopathy, or indirectly, as in bacterial endocarditis of heroin addicts. Evidence is accumulating that even marihuana, which causes no apparent cardiac distress, does not spare the heart. In a study of cardiovascular effects of marihuana, Beaconsfield and co-workers1 observed the responses of six nonaddicts to smoking one cigarette containing tetrahydrocannabinol, the major active compound present in cannabis, in doses equivalent to those used by habitual smokers. They noted an increase in pulse rate and limb blood flow—responses that could be still provoked after administration of atropine, but not after pretreatment with propranolol. Tetrahydrocannabinol potentiated the tachycardia induced by atropine or epinephrine. Concluding that the cardiovascular effects of marihuana are probably mediated by the beta-adrenergic mechanisms, these investigators urge caution in the use of http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png JAMA American Medical Association

Cannabis and the Cardiovascular System

JAMA , Volume 225 (1) – Jul 2, 1973

Cannabis and the Cardiovascular System

Abstract


Though the primary target of addictive psychoactive substances is the brain, the heart does not always remain unmolested. It may become involved directly, as in alcohol cardiomyopathy, or indirectly, as in bacterial endocarditis of heroin addicts. Evidence is accumulating that even marihuana, which causes no apparent cardiac distress, does not spare the heart.
In a study of cardiovascular effects of marihuana, Beaconsfield and co-workers1 observed the responses of six nonaddicts to smoking...
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Publisher
American Medical Association
Copyright
Copyright © 1973 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS Restrictions Apply to Government Use.
ISSN
0098-7484
eISSN
1538-3598
DOI
10.1001/jama.1973.03220280046015
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Though the primary target of addictive psychoactive substances is the brain, the heart does not always remain unmolested. It may become involved directly, as in alcohol cardiomyopathy, or indirectly, as in bacterial endocarditis of heroin addicts. Evidence is accumulating that even marihuana, which causes no apparent cardiac distress, does not spare the heart. In a study of cardiovascular effects of marihuana, Beaconsfield and co-workers1 observed the responses of six nonaddicts to smoking one cigarette containing tetrahydrocannabinol, the major active compound present in cannabis, in doses equivalent to those used by habitual smokers. They noted an increase in pulse rate and limb blood flow—responses that could be still provoked after administration of atropine, but not after pretreatment with propranolol. Tetrahydrocannabinol potentiated the tachycardia induced by atropine or epinephrine. Concluding that the cardiovascular effects of marihuana are probably mediated by the beta-adrenergic mechanisms, these investigators urge caution in the use of

Journal

JAMAAmerican Medical Association

Published: Jul 2, 1973

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