| Abstract [eng] |
Introduction. Cannabis is a plant of the genus Cannabis. The active substances in cannabis are called cannabinoids. Phytogenic and synthetic cannabinoids are the most commonly used psychoactive substances. Cannabis use can cause adverse reactions, including cardiovascular events. There is increasing evidence of cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances associated with cannabis use. The aim of this study was to review recent publications on cannabis and cardiac arrhythmias. Material and methods. The analysis covered publications in English from 2018 – 2023 obtained from PubMed, EBSCOhost, CrossRef, VU Library databases, Pubmed Central archive, Wiley online Library, Sage Journals, Springer Link gateway. The review included 57 studies. Results. Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids affect the autonomic nervous system, myocyte ion channels and cardiac conduction system. The effects of synthetic and phytogenic cannabinoids on the cardiac conduction system are seen in ECG abnormalities: higher P-wave amplitude, longer P-wave and QRS complex durations, lower T-wave amplitude, and longer QT and QTc duration. Cannabis use increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Heart rhythm disturbances caused by cannabis use are rare but can be life-threatening. Arrhythmias are more common in users of synthetic cannabinoids, men, older people, people with depression and ischemic heart disease. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia among cannabis users. There is evidence of cannabis-induced atrial flutter, atrioventricular blocks, sick sinus syndrome, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation. Conclusions. Cannabis use increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. The risk of heart rhythm disorders among cannabis users is higher in individuals with co-morbidities. Arrhythmias are rare in cannabis users. |
