DoctorXLogo

Cannabis and tachycardia

DoctorXFiles

Is there a cause-effect relation between cannabis and tachycardia?

Marijuana is sort of famous for increasing heart rate. Some websites talk about it effecting an increase of 40 bpm, while others mention an increase of 50% over resting heart rate.

Personally, my heart rate goes from a resting rate of 70 bpm, to about 120 bpm (as if I’m jogging). But I have measured it to go as fast as 156 bpm, which is about 80% the maximum heart rate for my age group. This >120 bpm heart rate can persist for an hour, sometimes two.

Of course, if I were running a marathon, this would be considered normal. But all of this is when I am at rest and not exerting myself at all. Is such an elevated heart rate for such a long time dangerous to the body? Would this become risky as I age and the heart and blood vessels deteriorate, and maximum heart rate lowers to 130? 

Originally posted in SR 2.0 16/10/2013. Reviewed 20/2/22

Cannabis increases heart rate by a different mechanism than stimulants. The main effect is relaxation of veins and arteries. This effect lowers blood pressure. To compensate this and mantaining blood flow heart beats more quickly. Im general, cardiovascular toxicity related with cannabinoids is limited, compared to stimulants.

There are some cases reports of cardiovascular damage induced by cannabis, but are anecdotal and uncommon. But the main risk is fainting using cannabis too strong or too quickly. So if you feel dizzy, lie down to avoid hurting if you fall as a result of loss of consciousness.

The increase in frecuency you report is important and long-lasting. Possibly it does not mean a health problem.Or maybe you are particularly sensible to that effect. It is possible that it is just related to cannabis potency (you should try another variety or use less quantity).

But, also, it is theoretically possible that cannabis use could trigger an asymptomatic arrhythmia or pathological tachycardia.So, it should be interesting to have an electrocardiography test to rule out this possibility. 

 

Return to Doctor X Files

Amphetamine and tachycardia

DoctorXFiles

High blood pressure and tachycardia after ragular amphetamine use. Is this dangerous?

I posted on here around the beginning of the year about a bad time I had with some pure amphetamine. I unknowingly potentiate it with baking soda, which I take regularly for heartburn.I’m not having breathing issues anymore. But I’ve noticed my pulse is remaining consistantly high during the day. According to my cheap BP meter, it’s around 100-120bpm. My blood pressure is pretty much normal, avg. 135 over 85.

I’ve stopped using all amphetamines and stimulants, no more decongestant in the morning or caffeine. I do use cannabis daily.I’m slightly overweight, smoke maybe 8 cigarettes a day (honestly). But my father has had a history of high BP and his father died of heart failure. I’m not that damned old but this is really starting to worry me.I’m trying to get into a doctor now, hopefully a local free clinic as I have no insurance and very little income. Any info would REALLY be appreciated right now! I really appreciate what you do on here, as I’m sure everyone else does!

Originally posted in SR2.0 2/3/14 . Reviewed 5/2/23

A heart rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute at rest is considered elevated and warrants further evaluation. Tachycardia can be caused by the residual effects of taking amphetamines (it depends on when did you take your last dosage) or by anxiety, but there are many other possible causes as well. If the tachycardia persists for several days, it is recommended to see a doctor.

Diagnostic tests, such as radiology, electrocardiography, and blood tests, are necessary to determine the underlying cause of tachycardia. So, it is not possible to provide advice without a proper diagnosis, as tachycardia can be a symptom of various conditions, some of which may not be serious.

It is important to note that the belief that sodium bicarbonate enhances the effects of amphetamines is a myth. And the same goes for the claim that drinking baking soda can alter the results of a urine test for amphetamines. These are simply urban legends with no scientific basis

Return to Doctor X Files