Arteriosclerosis is a condition that affects the arteries. Individuals with this condition have hardened arteries, which can restrict blood flow to organs. Because blood carries both oxygen and nutrients, this condition can be very serious.
Some people use the terms “arteriosclerosis” and “atherosclerosis” interchangeably, but there is a difference. Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis that occurs when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries, limiting blood flow and potentially leading to blood clots.
While arteriosclerosis is often classified as a heart condition, it can impact any area of the body. Because blood flow is essential for life, this condition can affect any of the organs.
There are different degrees of arteriosclerosis. Some people will have a milder case, while others will experience progression to the point where their life is more severely affected.
What Causes Arteriosclerosis?
There are a variety of different things that can lead to the development of arteriosclerosis. Most factors are related to lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, and stress levels.
Risk factors for arteriosclerosis include:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Smoking tobacco
- Increasing age
- Lack of exercise
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
One of the best ways to prevent this condition is by living a healthy lifestyle. Exercising regularly, eating clean foods, and checking in with your doctor periodically are all great ways to ensure you’re taking care of your heart and arteries.
Arteriosclerosis Signs & Symptoms
Many people don’t experience arteriosclerosis until the condition has progressed significantly. At this point, someone may have a heart attack or stroke due to a blood clot that can’t pass through the restricted artery.
The symptoms will depend on where the arteriosclerosis is in the body. For example, if the arteriosclerosis impacts arteries involved with the brain, they may experience weakness or difficulty sleeping.
If you have arteriosclerosis, you may identify with some of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Slurred speech
- Shortness of breath
The symptoms of arteriosclerosis are typically severe. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms, contact your doctor.
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Symptoms of Arteriosclerosis?
If you’re a cannabis user, you may wonder, “Is smoking weed bad for my heart?”
The CDC says that the answer is yes.
Smoking any substance isn’t good for the heart, so it’s best to opt for options that are less harmful to the cardiovascular system. Cannabis use, specifically THC, can lead to a faster heart rate and elevated blood pressure right after consumption. It’s also possible that cannabis use can contribute to the development of heart disease, but research in this area is more limited.
If you’re going to use cannabis and want to protect your heart health, an edible may be a more suitable option.
Unfortunately, there has not been a large amount of research that examines cannabis and arteriosclerosis. One study from 2018 found that compared to individuals who had used tobacco, cannabis-only users showed that there was no increased risk of atherosclerosis.1
If you’ve been diagnosed with arteriosclerosis, it’s recommended you speak with a doctor about your concerns.
It’s essential to recognize that a variety of other factors can influence the cardiovascular system’s response to cannabis. Stress, substance use history, and diet can all impact how the heart responds to substances, including cannabis.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers arteriosclerosis to be a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes arteriosclerosis or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in over half of the United States. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Arteriosclerosis
Is delta-8 bad for your heart?
There isn’t much research done about delta-8 and the heart. Its effects are likely similar to other high-THC cannabis products; however, more research is needed.
Does smoking weed cause high cholesterol?
There is some conflicting research on cannabis and cholesterol. Some researchers believe that cannabis may contribute to high cholesterol, but a majority of research suggests otherwise. A study from 2013 found that HDL cholesterol levels were typically lower in cannabis users, but their overall cholesterol levels were higher.2 However, it is important to note that the focus of this study was not cholesterol levels.
Does smoking weed constrict your blood vessels?
Smoking weed does impact your blood vessels. It can cause them to dilate and increase heart rate.
If I smoked weed in the past, is there anything I can do to improve my heart health?
It’s never too late to start adopting healthy habits. If you’re concerned about the possible effects of previous cannabis use, the best thing to do is speak with your doctor about ways to improve your lifestyle.
Resources
- Auer R, Sidney S, Goff D, et al. Lifetime marijuana use and subclinical atherosclerosis: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Addiction. 2018;113(5):845-856. doi:10.1111/add.14110
- Muniyappa R, Sable S, Ouwerkerk R, et al. Metabolic effects of chronic cannabis smoking. Diabetes Care. 2013;36(8):2415-2422. doi:10.2337/dc12-2303
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
