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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Pacemaker For Congenital Heart Block. Smoking Marijuana Dangerous In This Condition?

I m a 22 year old male, weighing 155 pounds at 6 feet tall. I have a congenital AV heart block which developed into a full block 4 years, for which a two lead pacemaker was implanted. My pacemaker and one lead have been replaced once since surgery (due to a cracked lead casing) but other than that I have had no problems functioning normally. I would like to ask your opinion on the marijuana use- would this be something dangerous for me? I understand that alcohol and marijuana affect your heart and body in very different ways but I have had alcohol and have never encountered problems with my pacemaker in result- even when I ve had alcohol in excess.
Tue, 2 Jul 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi there ~

I understand your concerns. Yes, smoking marijuana is dangerous in your condition of having a congenital AV heart block which needed you to have a two lead pacemaker implanted. Also alcohol should not be used in your condition. I believe that you will have long term and serious side effects from the use of marijuana and advise you strongly to quit the substance. If you have problems in quitting due to withdrawals and urges and cravings, I advise you to consult a psychiatrist who can help with the situation. I wish you the very best in your recovery.

I hope this helps. Take care and have a lovely day!
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Have Pacemaker For Congenital Heart Block. Smoking Marijuana Dangerous In This Condition?

Hi there ~ I understand your concerns. Yes, smoking marijuana is dangerous in your condition of having a congenital AV heart block which needed you to have a two lead pacemaker implanted. Also alcohol should not be used in your condition. I believe that you will have long term and serious side effects from the use of marijuana and advise you strongly to quit the substance. If you have problems in quitting due to withdrawals and urges and cravings, I advise you to consult a psychiatrist who can help with the situation. I wish you the very best in your recovery. I hope this helps. Take care and have a lovely day!