Recreational Marijuana Use Leading to Thrombosis in a Patient with Minimal Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Shruti Jesani^1, , Chidinma Ejikeme¹, Sherif El Kattawy¹ and Jesus Romero¹

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, NJ, USA

Cite this paper

Shruti Jesani, Chidinma Ejikeme, Sherif El Kattawy and Jesus Romero. Recreational Marijuana Use Leading to Thrombosis in a Patient with Minimal Cardiovascular Risk Factors. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2022; 10(5):128-130. doi: 10.12691/AJMCR-10-5-3

Abstract

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used psychotropic drugs in the United States. Recent legalization of cannabis and decriminalization in multiple jurisdictions in the United States has contributed to its increased availability and social acceptance, especially in young adults. The overall prevalence of cardiovascular disease in young adults has been increasing as a consequence of marijuana use. However, there remains a paucity of knowledge on its adverse effects, especially with regards to the cardiovascular system. Here, we present a case of a young adult with a history of marijuana use and minimal cardiovascular risk factors who presents following a seizure episode and was found to have coronary artery thrombosis. A high degree of suspicion, along with a better understanding of the biochemical pathways involved in cannabis associated myocardial ischemia is extremely important to treat this condition promptly and prevent fatal outcomes. After the legalization of cannabis in various states in the United States, there is an increasing need to understand and educate the public regarding health hazards, especially on the cardiovascular system.

Keywords

coronary artery thrombosis, cannabis, cardiovascular risks, marijuana

Copyright

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References

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