Trends in Cannabis Use, Blood Pressure and Hypertension in Middle-Aged Adults: Findings from NHANES, 2009-2018, Corroon, et al

Am J Hypertens. 2023 Jul 21:hpad068. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpad068. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Observational studies investigating associations between cannabis use and blood pressure/hypertension are inconsistent.

METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the NHANES were analyzed for five 2-year cycles between 2009 to 2018 representing 9,783 middle-aged adults (35-59 years). Hypertension was defined as SBP ≥ 130, DBP ≥ 80 or a blood pressure medication. Sample-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations between cannabis use and blood pressure and hypertension.

RESULTS: One quarter of respondents (n=2,228) reported a history of monthly cannabis use for more than one year, which was consistent over the study period (p for trend = 0.75). Approximately 48% (n=4,831) met the definition of hypertension. While a significant positive trend was seen over time for mean SBP and DBP (p = < 0.01 for both), no significant trend was seen in prevalent hypertension (p for trend = 0.23). In adjusted models, compared to never use, a history of monthly cannabis use for more than one year was not associated with increased blood pressure (mean SBP: 124.5 mmHg (95% CI: 122.4 to 126.6) v. 122.6 (95% CI: 120.9 to 124.2);DBP: 74.7 mmHg (95% CI: 73.1 to 76.2) v. 74.1 (95% CI: 72.8-75.4)), or prevalent hypertension (OR=0.88 (95% CI: 0.62-1.24)). Results from analyses of duration of monthly use, and recency and frequency of recent use were similar.

CONCLUSIONS: A history of monthly cannabis use for more than one year was not independently associated with either increased blood pressure or prevalent hypertension in a nationally representative sample of middle-aged US adults.

PMID:37479221 | DOI:10.1093/ajh/hpad068