Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 25, 2025

A Porcine Heterotopic Heart Transplantation Protocol for Delivery of Therapeutics to a Cardiac Allograft
08:30

A Porcine Heterotopic Heart Transplantation Protocol for Delivery of Therapeutics to a Cardiac Allograft

Published on: February 14, 2022

2.8K

Cannabis Use and Heart Transplantation: Disparities and Opportunities to Improve Outcomes

Onyedika J Ilonze1, Denise C Vidot2, Khadijah Breathett1

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Krannert Cardiovascular Research Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis (O.J.I., K.B., S.V.R.).

Circulation. Heart Failure
|October 17, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Cannabis use in advanced heart failure patients may worsen disparities in heart transplantation (HT) access. Standardized evaluation is needed to ensure equitable organ allocation for these individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Substance Use Research

Background:

  • Heart transplantation (HT) is the leading therapy for advanced heart failure.
  • Historically, substance abuse has disqualified patients from HT.
  • Increasing cannabis acceptance and use complicate HT candidacy evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review pre- and post-HT considerations for cannabis use.
  • To provide context on attitudes toward cannabis versus opiates in HT.
  • To identify research gaps for a standardized cannabis evaluation process in HT.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pre-HT and post-HT considerations.
  • Comparative analysis of attitudes towards cannabis and opiates.
  • Identification of unmet research needs.

Main Results:

  • Cannabis use evaluation lacks standardization, potentially worsening disparities.
  • Historical contraindications for substance abuse are challenged by cannabis decriminalization.
  • Attitudes towards cannabis use in HT candidates differ from opiates.

Conclusions:

  • Standardized evaluation for cannabis use in HT candidates is critical.
  • Addressing clinician biases and regional disparities is necessary for equitable HT listing.
  • Further research is required to inform evidence-based guidelines for cannabis use in HT.

Keywords:
cannabiscontraindicationsheart failureheart transplantationillicit drugs

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Graft Viability Assessment Through Quantitative Metrics and Innovative Reservoir Systems08:49

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Graft Viability Assessment Through Quantitative Metrics and Innovative Reservoir Systems

Published on: August 2, 2024

947
Testing the Efficacy of Pharmacological Agents in a Pericardial Target Delivery Model in the Swine10:05

Testing the Efficacy of Pharmacological Agents in a Pericardial Target Delivery Model in the Swine

Published on: July 7, 2016

8.4K

Related Concept Videos

Kidney Transplant I: Introduction01:28

Kidney Transplant I: Introduction

A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
45
Tissue Transplantation01:24

Tissue Transplantation

Tissue transplantation is a significant medical procedure involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient, with the primary aim of restoring lost functions. This procedure is crucial in treating a broad spectrum of diseases, including kidney diseases, liver failure, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
492
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
27
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants01:22

Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants

Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for several diseases, including cancer and specific genetic disorders. Notably, this procedure is applicable for patients suffering from aplastic anemia, certain types of leukemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and certain cancers.
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy...
398