Abstract
Introduction: The effects of cannabis use on the autonomic regulation of the heart had been identified
in tests with volunteers. We studied these effects of cannabis use on young adults
in everyday life.
Methods: We measured heart rate variability (HRV) and well-being (WHO-5 score) in young men
during a routine medical examination. Seventy-two men were identified with a positive
drug screening test solely for tetrahydrocannabinol. The comparison group consisted
of 72 men, matched according to age and body mass index, who used no illicit drugs
or pharmaceuticals.
Results: In the cannabis group, HRV was significantly increased compared to the control group.
The median value of root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) at rest was
56.2 ms in the drug users and 48.6 ms in the controls (p<0.05). The ratio of low-to-high
frequency was higher in the controls (median 1.87 vs. 1.62; p<0.05). Psychological
well-being, measured by WHO-5 score was significantly lower in cannabis users.
Discussion: Our data support the hypothesis that the use of cannabis leads to a change in cardiovascular
sympathovagal balance.
References
- 1
Benowitz NL, Jones RT.
Cardiovascular and metabolic considerations in prolonged cannabinoid administration
in man.
J Clin Pharmacol.
1981;
21
S214-S223
- 2
Gruber AJ, Pope HG, Hudson JL. et al .
Attributes of long-term heavy cannabis users: a case-control study.
Psychol Med.
2003;
33
1415-1422
- 3
Hunault CC, Mesinga TT, de Vries I. et al .
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) serum concentrations and pharmacological effects
in males after smoking a combination of tobacco and cannabis containing up to 69 mg
THC.
Psychopharmacology.
2008;
201
171-181
- 4
Kristal-Boneh E, Raifel M, Froom P. et al .
Heart rate variability in health and disease.
Scand J Work Environ Health.
1995;
21
85-95
- 5
Kunos G, Járai Z, Bátkai S. et al .
Endocannabinoids as cardiovascular modulators.
Chemistry and Physics of Lipids.
2000;
108
159-168
- 6
Müller-Vahl KR, Schneider U, Koblenz A. et al .
Treatment of Tourette's syndrome with delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): a randomized
crossover trial.
Pharmacopsychiatry.
2002;
35
57-61
- 7 Newlin DB, Pretorius MB, Wong CJ. et al .Acute marijuana smoking reduces vagal tone..
NIDA Research Monograph, Vol. 105. Committee on Problems of Drug Dependence, Washington,
DC, US Gov Printing Office; 1991: 565-566
- 8
Pacher P, Mukhopadhyay P, Mohanraj R. et al .
Modulation of the endocannabinoid system in cardiovascular disease. Therapeutic potential
and limitations.
Hypertension.
2008;
52
601-607
- 9
Psychiatric Research Unit.
.
WHO Collaborating Centre in Mental Health: WHO-Five Well-being Index (WHO-5) (Version
1998)
http://www.who-5.org/
Accessed October 9, 2008
- 10
Radespiel-Tröger M, Rauh R, Mahlke C. et al .
Agreement of two different methods for measurement of heart rate variability.
Clin Auton Res.
2003;
13
99-102
- 11
Rechlin T, Weis M, Claus D.
Heart rate variability in depressed patients and differential effects of paroxetine
and amitriptyline on cardiovascular autonomic functions.
Pharmacopsychiatry.
1994;
27
124-128
- 12
Siepmann M, Handel J, Mueck-Weymann M. et al .
The effects of moclobemide on autonomic and cognitive functions in healthy volunteers.
Pharmacopsychiatry.
2004;
37
81-84
- 13
Siepmann M, Rauh R, Spanos E. et al .
The effects of acetylic acid on heart rate variability in healthy subjects.
Clin Auton Res.
2007;
17
115-117
- 14
Silke B, Campbell C, King DJ.
The potential cardiotoxicity of antipsychotic drugs as assessed by heart rate variability.
J Psychopharmacol.
2002;
16
355-360
- 15
Wadsworth EJK, Moss SC, Simpson SA. et al .
Cannabis use, cognitive performance and mood in a sample of workers.
J Psychopharmacol.
2006;
20
14-23
- 16
Wiklund U, Karlsson M, Öström M. et al .
Influence of energy drinks and alcohol on post-exercise heart rate recovery and heart
rate variability.
Clin Phyiol Funct Imaging.
2009;
29
74-80
- 17
Zuurman L, van Gerven JMA, Asgarali F. et al .
Effect of acute THC administration on heart rate variability in humans.
Br J Clin Pharmacol.
2005;
61
485-486
Correspondence
PD Dr. K. Schmid
Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational,
Social and Environmental Medicine
University Erlangen-Nuremberg
Harfenstraße 18
91054 Erlangen
Germany
Phone: +49/9131/852 6777
Fax: +49/9131/852 6819
Email: klaus.schmid@rzmail.uni-erlangen.de
