217. Dr. Mark Chandy | Cannabis and Cardiovascular Disease-Clearing the Haze217. Dr. Mark Chandy | Cannabis and Cardiovascular Disease-Clearing the Haze
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
What are the effects of cannabis on the cardiovascular system? Dr. Chandy helps clear the haze. The American Heart Association has established the facts. Dr. Mark Chandy earned his MD and Ph.D. in 2008, at Pennsylvania State University. After completing medical school, Dr. Chandy trained in Internal Medicine at the University of British Columbia, followed by a Cardiology fellowship at the University of Toronto. He also completed a fellowship in Echocardiography and enrolled in the Clinician Scientist Training Program at the University of Toronto. With a desire to learn stem cell biology, Dr. Chandy trained in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) disease modeling at Stanford University. Dr. Chandy’s research has been published in Cell and other high-impact journals. He holds patents for his novel discoveries. As a recently appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Western Ontario, Dr. Chandy is an independent physician-scientist using iPSC disease modeling, next-generation sequencing (NGS), proteomics, and gene editing to understand the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Chandy's current research focuses on understanding the pathophysiology of environmental exposures such as air pollution, e-cigarettes, and cannabis on cardiovascular disease using human iPSC-derived tissue. The overarching goal of his research is to 1) investigate the effects of the environment on the cardiovascular system, 2) discover biomarkers to risk stratify patients, and 3) discover druggable target genes for cardiovascular disease. The relationship between cannabis and cardiovascular disease: clearing the haze. Nature Reviews. Jan 2025
1:03:21•17 Feb 2025
Clearing the Haze: Cannabis and Cardiovascular Health
Episode Overview
- Cannabis can have serious effects on cardiovascular health.
- The American Heart Association advises against cannabis use for those with heart conditions.
- Real-life cases show severe heart issues linked to high-concentrate THC use.
- Recent research highlights the relationship between cannabis and heart disease.
- Greater awareness and education on cannabis risks are needed.
“No one ever told me that. That's sad, but true.”
In this episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Dr. Roneet Lev sits down with Dr. Mark Chandy to shed light on the impact of cannabis on the cardiovascular system. Dr. Chandy, a highly accomplished cardiologist and researcher, shares his extensive knowledge and findings on the subject. With a background that includes an MD and Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University, as well as fellowships in internal medicine, cardiology, and echocardiography, Dr.
Chandy is well-equipped to discuss the nuances of this critical topic. He currently serves as an assistant professor at the University of Western Ontario, where his research focuses on the environmental effects on the heart and cardiovascular system. Throughout the episode, Dr. Chandy addresses the American Heart Association's warnings about cannabis use for those with heart conditions, and he recounts real-life cases of patients experiencing severe cardiovascular issues linked to high-concentrate THC use.
The conversation also touches on recent research published in Nature Review Cardiology, which explores the relationship between cannabis and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Chandy's insights are both eye-opening and cautionary, highlighting the need for greater awareness and education on the potential risks of cannabis use. Whether you're a medical professional, someone concerned about heart health, or simply curious about the topic, this episode offers valuable information and perspectives.
Tune in to learn more about how cannabis can affect your heart and what steps you can take to protect your cardiovascular health.

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