Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Marijuana Abuse Increases Risk of Heart Diseases

Many serious side effects are associated with continuous use of marijuana. The drug primarily affects central nervous system and alters memory, learning skills, concentration, and motivation. However, the drug also affects cardiovascular system, respiratory system and immune system of the body by long-term use. It has been found that marijuana abuse increases the risk of heart diseases. Marijuana drug test conducted frequently on abusers may help in avoiding drug addiction. This may decrease further effects on vital organs of body.

Marijuana smoking may increase heart rate from 20% to 50%. In first 2 to 3 minutes of marijuana consumption, heart rate rises slowly. Then it becomes higher within 15 to 30 minutes and remains high for two hours. As a result, there is a change in blood pressure. The extent of increase is based on the posture of the user. When a person is standing, then the blood pressure decreases. It increases when the person is sitting or lying. A sudden change in posture may cause hypotension which leads to fainting.

Patients already suffering from heart diseases should avoid marijuana consumption. Catecholamines are involved in stimulating the activity of heart. THC present in marijuana increases the production of catecholamines which increases risk of cardiac arrhythmias. As a result, heart rate increases associated with chest pain and myocardial infarction.

Levels of carboxyhaemoglobin are increased during marijuana smoking, decreasing oxygen supply to heart. Working of heart is stressed at such low oxygen levels. This also weakens heart function. Thus, marijuana abuse increases risk of heart diseases. THC drug test detects concentration of drug in the sample. If there are any positive results in the test, treatment should be taken immediately. Otherwise it may increase risk to heart and also may lead to death.


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