Abstract

BACKGROUND
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most ominous medical emergencies because it carries significant morbidity and mortality. A myocardial bridge is an anomaly previously perceived as benign. However, with a better understanding, it is considered a risk factor for angina and MI in some cases. Certain precipitating factors potentiate the coronary artery within the myocardial bridge to having vasospasms. Cannabis is one of many potential precipitants for vasospasm in the setting of a myocardial bridge because it increases vascular tone and increases sympathetic hormone secretion in the form of noradrenaline.
CASE REPORT
We report a case of a 31-year-old man presenting with myocardial infarction, without any known traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Upon investigation, we discovered that he had an underlying myocardial bridge, which in the setting of significant cannabis consumption, precipitated myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) disease on invasive angiography.
CONCLUSIONS
In a setting with an underlying risk factor or cardiac anomaly, cannabis can induce an MI and potentially other adverse cardiac complications. With the increasing use of cannabis in several regions of the world, more adverse events outside of the well-documented psychotropic effects of cannabis are anticipated. Therefore, clinicians need to bear in mind the multifaceted effects of adverse events from cannabis in the various organ systems and be prepared to ensure prompt treatment as needed. Given the nature of the pathophysiology of MINOCA in a patient with a myocardial bridge, it is paramount to be aware that the cause of infarction is a reversible one.

Keywords: Cannabis; Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Bridging; Myocardial Infarction; Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction