Lead Story: Increased vulnerability to atrial and ventricular arrhythmias caused by different types of inhaled tobacco or marijuana products

Increased vulnerability to atrial and ventricular arrhythmias caused by different types of inhaled tobacco or marijuana products 

Heart Rhythm

This study investigated the cardiovascular effects of exposure to tobacco smoke, vape aerosol, heated tobacco products, marijuana smoke, THC free marijuana, or air (placebo control). Rats were exposed to a single 5 minute session 5 days a week for 2 months. This exposure was judged to be similar to a single smoking or vaping session a day. Left ventricular dilation and reduction in LV ejection fraction was seen in all non-air groups along with reduction in heart rate variability. Both atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia were more easily induced in all non-air groups. Decrease in microvessel density and severe interstitial fibrosis was seen on histology from all non-air groups. The authors conclude that all tobacco products (including vaping) and marijuana carry substantial risk of cardiac disease.

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