According to researchers at the University of Cambridge, the investigation underscores how commonly used drugs directly contribute to stroke, which stands globally as the third leading cause of death and disability combined.
Data and Findings from the University of Cambridge Study
Researchers from the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge examined data involving more than 100 million people to determine the cardiovascular impacts of recreational substances. According to the study published in the International Journal of Stroke, cocaine and amphetamine use roughly doubled the risk of stroke, with cocaine showing a 96% increase and amphetamines linked to a 122% rise.
When restricting the data to individuals under the age of 55, the numbers shifted significantly. Amphetamine use in younger adults was associated with an almost threefold rise in stroke risk, surging by 174%. Cocaine use among this younger demographic linked to a 97% increase, and cannabis use raised the risk by 14%. Problematic alcohol use also correlated with a higher risk of cardioembolic stroke and large artery stroke, while alcohol addiction increased overall stroke risk.
Mendelian Randomization and Causal Pathways
To move beyond simple correlation, the research team used Mendelian randomization, a statistical method examining naturally occurring genetic variants related to risk factors and stroke. According to this genetic analysis, cocaine use disorders showed strong links to brain hemorrhage and cardioembolic stroke, a condition where a blood clot forms in the heart and travels to the brain to block blood flow. Cannabis use disorders associated with stroke overall, particularly large artery stroke, supporting a direct causal link.
Researchers pointed to several established biological pathways to explain these elevated risks. According to the study details, these mechanisms include sudden blood pressure spikes, blood vessel spasms and narrowing, heart rhythm problems, increased blood clotting associated specifically with cannabis, and inflammation or vasculitis linked to amphetamines. Large genetic datasets regarding amphetamine use were unavailable, preventing the team from applying Mendelian randomization to that specific substance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cannabis increase stroke risk?
Which recreational drugs carry the highest stroke risk in the study?
Amphetamines and cocaine showed the strongest associations, with amphetamines linked to a 122% increase in stroke risk and cocaine linked to a 96% increase.
How was the research conducted?
Researchers performed a meta-analysis pooling cohort data from studies involving more than 100 million people, supplemented by Mendelian randomization to investigate potential causal relationships.
>Worth a look