The effects of cannabis on heart rate variability and well-being in young men.
BACKGROUND
The effects of cannabis use on the autonomic regulation of the heart had been identified in tests with volunteers. We studied these effects of cannabis use on young adults in everyday life.


METHODS
We measured heart rate variability (HRV) and well-being (WHO-5 score) in young men during a routine medical examination. Seventy-two men were identified with a positive drug screening test solely for tetrahydrocannabinol. The comparison group consisted of 72 men, matched according to age and body mass index, who used no illicit drugs or pharmaceuticals.


RESULTS
In the cannabis group, HRV was significantly increased compared to the control group. The median value of root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) at rest was 56.2 ms in the drug users and 48.6 ms in the controls (p<0.05). The ratio of low-to-high frequency was higher in the controls (median 1.87 vs. 1.62; p<0.05). Psychological well-being, measured by WHO-5 score was significantly lower in cannabis users.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data support the hypothesis that the use of cannabis leads to a change in cardiovascular sympathovagal balance.
Schmid
K
K
Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine of the University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany. klaus.schmid@rzmail.uni-erlangen.de
Schönlebe
J
J
Drexler
H
H
Mueck-Weymann
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002188:Cannabis / Q000378:metabolism*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D002186:Cannabinoids