Prevalence and Incidence of Heart Failure among Cannabis Users: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To determine the prevalence and incidence of heart failure (HF) among cannabis users and explore potential pathophysiological mechanisms—such as sympathetic activation, oxidative stress, and vascular inflammation—through which cannabis may contribute to HF progression. Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2023 and December 2024 at the Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. A total of 380 patients were included, comprising 190 cannabis users and 190 non-users. Patients were evaluated for heart failure type, comorbidities, and cannabis use frequency. Heart failure was diagnosed using standardized echocardiographic criteria in conjunction with clinical judgment. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations, with statistical significance set at p