Recreational drugs can more than double risk of stroke, study suggests

"Scientists analysed medical data from more than 100 million people and found that the risk of stroke was 122% higher for amphetamine users and 96% higher for cocaine users compared with those who did not take the drugs. Cannabis users were also at greater risk, suffering 37% more strokes than non-users, the review found, though researchers saw no evidence that opioids, a highly addictive painkiller, added to a person's risk of stroke."

"When researchers focused on under-55s, they saw a near tripling in stroke risk among amphetamine users. The additional risk linked to cannabis was a more modest 14% in the age group, while the risk from cocaine was much the same at 97%."

"Strokes occur when blood vessels in the brain become blocked or burst. This disrupts the blood supply to brain cells, causing them to die. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and disability worldwide, leading to more than 7million deaths annually. Millions more are left with permanent disabilities, ranging from paralysis to speech and cognitive impairment."

A comprehensive review analyzing medical data from over 100 million people reveals that recreational drug use significantly increases stroke risk. Amphetamine users face a 122% higher stroke risk, cocaine users 96% higher, and cannabis users 37% higher compared to non-users. Opioids showed no increased stroke risk. The elevated risk extends to younger populations, with under-55 amphetamine users experiencing nearly triple the stroke risk. Cannabis use in this age group increases risk by 14%, while cocaine risk remains around 97%. Strokes occur when brain blood vessels become blocked or burst, disrupting blood supply and causing cell death. As the third leading cause of death and disability worldwide, strokes result in over 7 million annual deaths and leave millions with permanent disabilities including paralysis and cognitive impairment. The analysis pooled data from 32 studies but could not definitively prove causation, as drug users may have other stroke risk factors.

Read at www.theguardian.com