Tobacco more strongly linked to clogged arteries than cannabis
The use of marijuana in study participants was "surprisingly common", one researcher noted.
Keystone
A University of Bern analysis of data from a 25-year study showed that smoking marijuana was only associated with clogged arteries in lifetime tobacco users.
Scientists have long known that smoking tobacco is associated with atherosclerosisExternal link – a condition in which arteries are clogged by the build-up of fatty deposits called plaques – especially in arteries that supply blood to the heart. But there has been scientific disagreement over the effects of marijuana.
Reto Auer at the University of Bern Institute for Primary Health Care led an international team of researchers in analysing data on 3,498 men and women who participated in the 25-year US‐based Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.
“We knew the effect of tobacco smoke, but not of marijuana smoke on subclinical plaque build-up in heart arteries (a marker of future heart attacks). We sought to determine the association between lifetime exposure to marijuana and measures of plaque build-up in mid-life,” said Auer in a University of Bern press releaseExternal link.
As expected, the scientists found a strong link between tobacco exposure and the appearance of plaques in coronary arteries in the abdomen. However, among middle-aged cannabis smokers who had never consumed tobacco, such a link could not be identified.
According to the study authors, frequent consumption of cannabis only has a weak influence on atherosclerosis risk. However, they added that when tobacco and cannabis are smoked together, the negative health effects should not be underestimated.
“Our study confirms the strong and consistent association between tobacco use and plaques build-up. The broader public health implications of high prevalence of tobacco use among marijuana users is alarming,” added co-author Stephen Sidney, a principal investigator of the CARDIA study.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
A committee of Switzerland’s House of Representatives has found the people’s initiative to limit fireworks too extreme, but has suggested a counter-proposal.
UN investigators report evidence of crimes in Syria and call for national dialogue
This content was published on
UN investigators in Geneva report ample evidence of crimes in Syria and urge the regime to follow through on its promise of a national dialogue.
Swiss Trade Union warns EU deal could threaten wages
This content was published on
The Swiss Trade Union Federation warns that the new bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU could threaten wage protection and public services.
Credit Suisse fines from Mozambique scandal to fund victims’ compensation
This content was published on
The fines imposed on Credit Suisse for the Mozambique scandal will be allocated to a fund for the victims, amounting to $105.5 million.
‘Confederation is a subsidy machine’: Swiss finance minister
This content was published on
The Swiss government is a machine for distributing subsidies to various actors in the country, says finance minister Karin Keller-Sutter.
Lack of funds ends third bid to salvage Säntis ship from Swiss lake
This content was published on
A third attempt to salvage the steamship Säntis, lying at the bottom of Lake Constance in Switzerland since 1933, has failed before it has even begun.
Nestlé Waters on trial in France over illegal waste dumps
This content was published on
Bottled water producer Nestlé Waters to stand trial, accused of illegally dumping waste and maintaining unauthorised dumps.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
100 tons of cigarette butts litter Swiss train platforms every year
This content was published on
The information, obtained from internal documents and published by paper SonntagsBlick on Sunday, was confirmed by the railway company. The paper also revealed that 1,200 personnel are charged with keeping the platforms tidy daily throughout the country. Part of their job is to empty the 6,371 dedicated cigarette ash and butt disposal bins installed on…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.