Afib and Marijuana

Posted by Geoff @kinshop, Jan 8, 2023

My Afib is 'controlled' by medication. I also have idiomatic neuropathy. I use medical marijuana in the form of tinctures to alleviate pain in my feet and legs. Also admittedly to chill in the evenings. I notice with a finger pulsimeter that my heart rate does jump around more and is more elevated, although still within the 65 to 100 range. I do want to use marijuana for my neuropathy and to 'chill' but don't want to knock my Afib out of control. Anyone have experience with this?

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pamgalvani | @pamgalvani | Jan 9, 2023

Have you tried marijuana creams? I also have peripheral neuropathy in my feet and the cream has been a huge help in getting sleep at night. I have had several ablations , an AV node block and pacemaker for AFIB.

cookierockwell | @cookierockwell | Jan 9, 2023

This study from UCF shows "marijuana users had a 35 percent increased likelihood of later developing AF".

Here's the UCF study from October 18, 2022:
https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2022/10/424046/marijuana-meth-cocaine-and-opiate-use-are-linked-atrial-fibrillation

Geoff | @kinshop | Jan 10, 2023

In reply to @pamgalvani "Have you tried marijuana creams? I also have peripheral neuropathy in my feet and the cream..." + (show)

Thanks for your comment. I have tried cannabis creams but found that regular neuropathy creams work just as well and are less expensive. I don't really have a problem with sleeping.
Probably because I take a 300 mg capsule of Gabapentin before bedtime. Also magnesium.

Geoff | @kinshop | Jan 10, 2023

In reply to @cookierockwell "This study from UCF shows "marijuana users had a 35 percent increased likelihood of later developing..." + (show)

Thanks for your comment. The thing I took away from that study was that inhalation of particulates from smoking or Vaping cannabis has similar bad effects to smoking cigarettes.
I've been using tinctures and edibles (gummies) to avoid that although I do vape on occasion.
I guess my question is whether marijuana use generally is a problem for a preexisting Afib condition. I am 71 years old and have had Afib for 15 years. It was most likely triggered initially through alcohol abuse. (I have not had a drink now in 4 years). I have been using marijuana
now for 2 years. I have not smoked cigarettes in 50 years.

ljsteph | @ljsteph | Jan 10, 2023

I have paroxysmal A-fib and also consume cannabis in the evening to chill. I have watched my blood pressure and heart rate closely over periods of time to see what effect the cannabis may have. I generally don't see any changes. I have found on occasion however, that if I take in too heavy of a dose, my heart rate will elevate slightly and some PVCs develop. I have never been induced into A-fib by it but avoid high doses as I don't like the PVCs.

I have seen population studies that suggest cannabis consumers have a slightly lower incidence of A-fib, and others that see a slightly higher risk. So much bias in many of the studies still, but as cannabis does have an impact on the cardiovascular system, it is best to be cautious, and best to consume by vape or orally if possible.

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