SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) — A new study published in the medical journal “Heart” is raising concerns about marijuana use and its potential link to heart disease, citing findings that suggest cannabis users may be twice as likely to die from heart-related conditions.

To make sense of the data, Dr. Alexandra Kharazi, a San Diego cardiothoracic surgeon, spoke with Nexstar’s KSWB, emphasizing the need for context and caution when interpreting the results.

“This is a meta-analysis, meaning it’s a compilation of many observational studies,” Dr. Kharazi explained. “While the data shows a strong association, it’s not causation. These studies don’t account for confounding factors like other substance use or individual health conditions.”

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and while the study may suggest marijuana could be an additional risk factor, Dr. Kharazi stressed that the risk varies widely depending on the individual.

“Someone with multiple cardiovascular risk factors who uses marijuana recreationally might be at higher risk,” she said. “But for others—like cancer patients using it medicinally to manage chemo-related symptoms—the benefits might outweigh the risks.”

Dr. Kharazi, who performs complex and high-risk heart surgeries in San Diego, says the conversation around cannabis needs to be personalized.

“I’m not anti-cannabis. I’m pro-conversation,” she said. “I ask my patients who tell me if they are using marijuana. Why are you using it? How often? What are your other health factors?”

As for the method of consumption, Dr. Kharazi says smoking of any kind is detrimental to lung and heart health, especially for surgical patients.

“If you can avoid smoking—whether it’s marijuana or tobacco—it will improve your outcomes.”

While the findings may raise parental eyebrows, Dr. Kharazi noted, “Will I use this study to scare my daughter? Yes,” she laughed. “But in the real world, the impact really depends on the individual and their health picture.”