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Marijuana, a widely used recreational drug in the United States, has a significant increase in prevalence, especially among young adults, following its legalization in various states. Despite this surge, there is limited research on its association with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). This study aims to investigate the correlation between marijuana use and ACS, specifically focusing on Acute ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI. A retrospective analysis using National Inpatient Sample data from 2017 to 2019 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 18 years or older with a primary ACS diagnosis, categorized as STEMI or non-STEMI (ICD 10: I21** and I22*). Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, gender, race, and household income. Multivariable regression analyses assessed the relationship between marijuana use and ACS across different age groups, exploring outcomes such as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) usage, Length of Stay (LOS), and total hospital costs (THC). Among 4200 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, those with ACS and marijuana use were predominantly in the 40-59 years age group, with a mean age of 49 years. They were more likely to be male (60%) and belonged to White (75%), followed by Black population (12. 5%). This cohort exhibited higher prevalence of comorbidities, including hyperlipidemia (56%), DM (43. 5%), HF (41%), HTN (35%), and cigarette smoking (21%). The prevalence was significantly higher in the median income group (OR 5. 30, 95% CI: 0. 97-28. 94, p = 0. 05). No significant difference in PCI was observed between the two groups in the population under 59 years of age (OR 0. 90, 95% CI: 0. 65-1. 25, p = 0. 53). LOS was significantly higher among the 60+ age cohort (OR 3. 09, 95% ci: 0. 27-5. 91, p = 0. 03), accompanied by elevated THC (102, 145). Marijuana use was independently associated with ACS, particularly prevalent among individuals aged 40-59 years and within the median income cohort. These findings emphasize the need to explore the cardiovascular implications of marijuana use among young adults. This knowledge is crucial for healthcare professionals and policymakers in developing informed public health initiatives.
Karki et al. (Wed,) studied this question.