Cannabis Use: A New Risk Behaviour Among Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Cannabis Research

Background:

• Cannabis use is increasing in Canada.
• Cannabis use is associated with adverse cardiovascular events.
• Understanding cannabis use in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) is crucial due to increased accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and patterns of cannabis use among patients with adult congenital heart disease.
• To identify characteristics and motivations associated with cannabis use in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to September 2018.
• The study included 252 patients with adult congenital heart disease at a quaternary care center.
• Data collected included demographics, substance use (cannabis, tobacco, alcohol), and reasons for cannabis consumption.

Main Results:

• 21% (53 out of 252) of patients reported cannabis use.
• Cannabis users were more likely to be male, aged 25-39, and co-users of tobacco and alcohol.
• Common reasons for use included recreation (55%), anxiety (42%), depression (28%), and pain management (8%).
• Cannabis users had an earlier age of onset for tobacco use compared to non-users.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of ACHD patients use cannabis, often alongside other substance use.
• Cannabis use in ACHD patients may indicate less optimal health behaviors and requires cardiovascular risk assessment.
• Clinicians should integrate cannabis use assessment into routine care and provide patient/caregiver education, especially post-legalization.