Atrial Fibrillation Occurring After Smoking Marijuana: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, occurring primarily in individuals with known risk factors such as advanced age, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. Cannabis use produces several cardiovascular changes resulting in proarrhythmic effects on the heart. Case Report: A 38-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department (ED) complaining of palpitations with associated shortness of breath occurring after smoking marijuana. She was found to be in AF. Evaluation in the ED and during hospitalization found no cardiac or metabolic conditions that predisposed to AF. The AF resolved within three hours of onset without intervention. Conclusion: Cannabis use should be considered as a possible etiology of new-onset AF, especially in relatively young patients with no other predisposing risk factors.