marijuana and the heart???

Posted by michele on May 04, 1999 at 15:49:06
I would just like to know if the occasional smoking of marijuana has any affect on a previously innocent heart murmer?  Any information would be greatly appreciated and helpful.  Thank you.

Posted by SA, M.D. - HVMA on May 09, 1999 at 17:39:00
Dear Michele,
Marijuana increases the heart rate and introduces carbon monoxide into the blood stream, thereby diminishing the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle.  If the murmur is truly innocent, it would probably get louder as a result of smoking.  If the murmur is an indication of any underlying structural or functional cardiac abnormality, it is possible that smoking pot could precipitate a serious cardiac event.  I'd avoid pot altogether in the situation you describe, and have my heart re-evaluated by a cardiologist.  Our heart is one of our most essential organs, and can be very vulnerable. Why take any chances?
Good Luck!
DrSteve
http://www.drsteve.org