Abstract
Aims
To evaluate the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities in marijuana users as an indirect measure of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Design
Longitudinal and cross‐sectional secondary data analysis from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study.
Setting
4 communities in the United States.
Participants
A total of 2,585 participants from the 5,115 black and white men and women recruited at age 18 to 30 years in 1985 to 1986 in CARDIA.
Measurements
ECG abnormalities coded as minor and major abnormalities with the Minnesota code of electrocardiographic findings at Year 20. Self‐reported current (past 30 days) and computed cumulative lifetime marijuana use (one “marijuana‐year” corresponds to 365 days of use) through assessments every 2‐5 years. We fitted logistic regression models adjusting for sex, race, center, education, age, tobacco smoking, physical activity, alcohol use, and body mass index.
Findings
Among the 2,585 participants with an ECG at Year 20, mean age was 46, 57% were women, 45% were black. 83% had past exposure to marijuana and 11% were using marijuana currently. One hundred and seventy‐three participants (7%) had major abnormalities and 944 (37%) had minor abnormalities. Comparing current with never use in multivariable‐adjusted models, the OR for major ECG abnormalities was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.32 to 1.15) and for minor ECG abnormalities 1.21 (95% CI: 0.87 to 1.68). Results did not change after stratifying by sex and race. Cumulative marijuana use was not associated with ECG abnormalities.
Conclusion
In a middle‐aged US population, lifetime cumulative and occasional current marijuana use were not associated with increases in electrocardiogram abnormalities. This adds to the growing body of evidence that occasional marijuana use and cardiovascular disease events and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis are not associated.