A recent study warns that heart attack deaths will increase by 50 percent over the next five years due to rising tobacco and cannabis use. Presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2025 in Washington, DC, the study predicts that by 2030, these substances will significantly contribute to the rise in heart-related fatalities. Researchers from Wayne State University conducted the study, focusing on the link between tobacco, cannabis, and coronary heart disease, a condition where reduced blood flow to the heart due to blocked or narrowed coronary arteries leads to severe complications.
Tobacco use has long been associated with an elevated risk of ischemic heart disease, while cannabis use has been found to increase the likelihood of heart attack, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic shock. The risks are even higher for individuals already suffering from heart disease. A separate study by Mount Sinai Hospital further corroborates these findings, revealing that excessive cannabis use makes individuals 27% more likely to experience a heart attack and increases the risk of arrhythmias by 48%.
Despite growing awareness about the dangers, tobacco and cannabis use continue to be widespread. Experts like Dr. James B. Hermiller, President of SCAI, stress the need for ongoing vigilance, as these substances significantly impact cardiovascular health and increase the likelihood of severe heart conditions.
