Key result
Regular marijuana use linked to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy via potential cannabinoid-induced myocardial stunning.
Why the study?
It remains unclear whether the catecholamine surge generated by marijuana use is sufficient to trigger Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Does marijuana use trigger Takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
Case Report (n=1)
Does marijuana use trigger Takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
This case report highlights a potential association between regular marijuana use and the development of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, possibly mediated by a hypercatecholaminergic state.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
This case suggests a possible marijuana-Takotsubo link; hypothesis-generating and leaves open causality pending further study.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is prevalent in 2% of patients who present with symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial infarction. It may be triggered by stressful events, resulting in catecholamine surges, myocardial stunning, and disturbances in contractility. TTC in males has been associated with marijuana use and leads to a fivefold increased risk of cardiac events. Marijuana is thought to generate a similar surge in catecholamines leading to tachycardia and elevation of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The question remains whether this catecholamine surge is sufficient enough to cause TTC. It is apparent a correlation between marijuana use and TTC may exist. Exogenous cannabinoid stimulation may lead to myocardial stunning via stimulation seen with hypercatecholaminergic states. Understanding the risk factors involved and increasing awareness of cardiovascular complications related to cannabinoid substances becomes more relevant as its use is increasing both recreationally and medically. We present a case of a 50 year-old African-American male with hypertension and regular marijuana use who presented with chest pain radiating to the back. Due to abnormal electrocardiogram and positive cardiac biomarkers concerning for acute coronary syndrome, the patient underwent subsequent coronary angiography that showed no significant coronary obstruction; however, left ventriculogram showed the characteristic apical ballooning of TTC. Our case highlights the pathophysiological mechanism suspected to trigger TTC.
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Sanchez et al. (2019) conducted a case report in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (n=1). Marijuana use was evaluated on Diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. A 50-year-old male with regular marijuana use presented with chest pain and was found to have Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, highlighting a potential link between cannabinoid stimulation and myocardial stunning.
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