CURRENT CANNABIS USE IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED INDEXES OF DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN ADULTS: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Therapeutic Area

ASCVD/CVD Risk Factors

Background

Although the effects of tobacco use on cardiac function are well documented, less is known about cannabis use and its impact on systolic and diastolic function parameters as measured by echocardiography. In a retrospective study, we evaluated the relationship between cannabis use and cardiac functional parameters (systolic and diastolic) that have predictive value in future heart failure (HF) related morbidity and mortality.

Methods

We screened patients who underwent echocardiography imaging at UCSF Medical Center between March 2018 and May 2024 who also had questionnaire data available for cannabis use (smoking and edibles; n=189 [101 F, 88 M], mean±SD for age: 65.9±11.7). Cardiac function parameters considered were both systolic (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)) and diastolic (left atrial volume index (LAVI), left ventricular end diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), and left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (LVIDd)). Categorical differences in cardiac function parameters between users (n=87), non-users (n=60), and prior users (n=42) were quantified in a generalized linear model and expressed as beta coefficient (ß) ± SEM after adjustments for age, sex, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Cannabis use was associated with a higher LVEDVI (ß=12.9±4.7, p=0.007) and LVIDd (ß=0.47±0.19, p=0.01) compared to non-users. Cannabis use was not a significant determinant of LVEF or LAVI (both p>0.05). However, there was a trend of an association between cannabis use and a higher LAVI score in women (ß=22.1±11.4, p=0.06) that was not observed in men (p=0.28). Similar results were obtained when the analysis was adjusted for patient age, sex, BNP, tobacco use status, and LVEF (for diastolic function parameters). Prior use (those that have reported to have ever used cannabis) was not a significant determinant of any of the measures of systolic or diastolic function.

Conclusions

Current cannabis use is associated with higher LVEDVI and LVIDd, and not with differences in LVEF. Cannabis use is not associated with LAVI score in men, but our results are suggestive of a potential association in women. Our findings point to a relationship between cannabis use and subclinical cardiac alterations that can inform preventive cardiovascular interventions for at-risk populations.