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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Drinking Alcohol And Occasional Marijuana Aggravating Heart Issues?

I have angina and have heart disease. I have had angioplasty and a triple bypass open heart surgery. Recently had an arteriogram and they discovered two of my graphs were blocked. A stint was put in an another artery. My doctor says I have angina and is giving me Renexa to help with the symptoms of angina. I am 64 years old. I still work and it can be very stressful at times. I drink wine in the evenings to unwind and occasionally marijuana. I do watch my diet and walk every day. Is the alcohol and occasional marijuana aggravating my heart issues?
Mon, 11 May 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello and thanks for writing.

In short yes alcohol and marijuana is not good for your heart.

You are already suffering from Coronary Artery Disease and have had the bypass and PTCA with stent. This makes your heart weaker than normal. The reserve in your heart is lower than that of a normal person.

Occassional Alcohol causes fatty liver and deranged cholesterol levels which is detrimental to your coronary arteries. It also causes drug interactions and hence your cardiac medications might not effectively work even though you may be taking them regularly.

Marijuana smoking increases your Heart Rate for few hours after smoking. THis increased heart rate further reduces the blood supply to your heart via the coronaries. It puts you at an increased risk of getting a heart attack.

I can understand that stressful environment can lead to such behaviour. But I still advise your to quit them asap. To reduce your stress you can try meditation and other relaxation exercises.

I suggest that you get in touch with your nearest GP and discuss with him the ways you can quit.

Regards
Dr Manish Jha
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Does Drinking Alcohol And Occasional Marijuana Aggravating Heart Issues?

Hello and thanks for writing. In short yes alcohol and marijuana is not good for your heart. You are already suffering from Coronary Artery Disease and have had the bypass and PTCA with stent. This makes your heart weaker than normal. The reserve in your heart is lower than that of a normal person. Occassional Alcohol causes fatty liver and deranged cholesterol levels which is detrimental to your coronary arteries. It also causes drug interactions and hence your cardiac medications might not effectively work even though you may be taking them regularly. Marijuana smoking increases your Heart Rate for few hours after smoking. THis increased heart rate further reduces the blood supply to your heart via the coronaries. It puts you at an increased risk of getting a heart attack. I can understand that stressful environment can lead to such behaviour. But I still advise your to quit them asap. To reduce your stress you can try meditation and other relaxation exercises. I suggest that you get in touch with your nearest GP and discuss with him the ways you can quit. Regards Dr Manish Jha