Cardiovascular Effects
Effects of cannabinoids on the heart and blood vessels. Acute THC use causes tachycardia and blood pressure changes; chronic use is associated with cardiovascular risk in some populations.
In Depth
Acute THC use causes tachycardia (increased heart rate by 20–100%) via CB1-mediated sympathetic activation and vagal inhibition. This increases myocardial oxygen demand and can precipitate angina or myocardial infarction in patients with coronary artery disease. Chronic cannabis use is associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and atrial fibrillation in epidemiological studies. CBD has cardiovascular protective effects in preclinical models — reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury and inflammation.
Related Terms
Further Reading
More in Clinical
Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.