Tobacco and Marijuana Use Projected to Spike Heart Disease Deaths by 50% in Next Five Years

New Delhi, 03 May 2025: Increased tobacco and marijuana consumption directly linked to significantly contributes to severe and fatal heart disease-related deaths. As per the recent study, results indicate that a 50% increase is expected over the next five years, according to recent studies presented at the 2025 Scientific Sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) in Washington, D.C.

Tobacco’s Persistent Threat

Despite decades of public health campaigns, tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death. Researchers from Wayne State University analyzed data from 1999 to 2020, revealing a 43.7% projected increase in tobacco-related ischemic heart disease deaths by 2030. Notably, while mortality trends in females have decreased, males have experienced a sharp uptick in deaths.

“Tobacco-related ischemic heart disease is not just a problem of the past. It is still a major cause of death today,” said Roopeessh Vempati from Wayne State University. “If we hope to design more targeted interventions, it’s vital for clinicians to recognize that vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected.”

How Does The Use of Cannabis Affect Heart Health?

Parallel to tobacco, cannabis use has surged, particularly among younger adults. A retrospective study involving over 4.6 million individuals found that cannabis users under 50 are more than six times as likely to suffer a heart attack compared to non-users. Additionally, these users face a fourfold increased risk of ischemic stroke and a threefold higher risk of cardiovascular death.

Further research indicates that individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD) are 50% more likely to experience serious cardiac events, including cardiogenic shock, heart attacks, and irregular heart rhythms.

“Despite major public health campaigns to raise awareness for the harms of tobacco and cannabis, usage is still commonplace as we continue to see their effects on cardiovascular health,” noted James B. Hermiller, SCAI President.

As the landscape of substance use evolves, these findings highlight the need for renewed public health initiatives focusing on education, prevention, and cessation support to mitigate the impending surge in heart disease mortality.