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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Consuming Marijuana Effect Heart Defects?

24 Yr. old male: I have a bicuspid aortic valve and a coarctation of the aorta. I am also being treated for high blood pressure (my BP prior to medication was usually around 145/90). My resting hear rate is usually around 55-65. My question is: I use marijuana fairly regularly (once every other day or so). Are the negative side-effects of marijuana more troublesome given my heart defects?
Wed, 12 Oct 2016
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that in a normal person, marijuana can lead to 5times increased risk of heart attack during the first hour after smoking it.

From the other hand, when taken regularly for a long time, it can lead to chronic changes in the blood vessels wall, causing progressive atherosclerosis.

Now, considering the fact that you have coarctation of the aorta, I would strongly encourage you to stop taking it, as you are at a very increased risk of a heart attack or further aortic stenosis.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
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Could Consuming Marijuana Effect Heart Defects?

Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would explain that in a normal person, marijuana can lead to 5times increased risk of heart attack during the first hour after smoking it. From the other hand, when taken regularly for a long time, it can lead to chronic changes in the blood vessels wall, causing progressive atherosclerosis. Now, considering the fact that you have coarctation of the aorta, I would strongly encourage you to stop taking it, as you are at a very increased risk of a heart attack or further aortic stenosis. Hope to have been helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri