Marijuana use and acute myocardial infarction: A systematic review of published cases in the literature

Abstract Background and objective Marijuana use has gained popularity following legalization in the US. Marijuana can affect the heart through various mechanisms. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of published case reports of individuals with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) following marijuana use. Methods We conducted a systematic review of literature, including case reports, case series, and the letter to the editor on MEDLINE. Forty-six studies were included, with a total number of 62 patients with AMI and marijuana use. Results The mean age was 27.7 (±10.3) years with male predominance. About 3.7g marijuana was used for an average of 9.7 years by the patients. From the cases reporting the onset of AMI symptoms, the average time was within 5 hours after last marijuana use. The angiographic findings were normal in 36.8% of cases. In 42.1% of individuals, the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded, making it the most common artery involved, followed by the right coronary artery (10.5%). Most cases were managed medically, followed by thrombectomy and stent placement, and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Complications included cardio-embolic stroke, and seven deaths were reported. Conclusion It is important to consider episodic marijuana use as a significant risk factor of AMI, particularly in individuals with no cardiac risk factors, as delay in management can result in fatal outcomes including increased risk of mortality.