Drug Use Significantly Increases Stroke Risk, Study Finds
Summary
A Cambridge University study finds that cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine use significantly raise stroke risk, including among people under 55. The analysis of more than 100 million participants also suggests the drugs themselves contribute to the risk, not just other lifestyle factors.
Key Points
- Researchers at Cambridge University analyzed data from more than 100 million people and found recreational drug use significantly increases stroke risk.
- Cocaine and amphetamine use were linked to roughly double the risk of stroke, while cannabis use raised risk by about 37 percent.
- In people under 55, amphetamine use was associated with nearly triple the risk of stroke and cocaine with a 97 percent increase.
- Genetic analysis suggested a possible cause-and-effect relationship between cocaine and cannabis use disorders and certain types of stroke.
