# Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in the Setting of Marijuana: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 61-year-old man with a history of marijuana use and high blood pressure experienced a rare heart condition called spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the potential link between marijuana use and spontaneous coronary artery dissection in a patient with cardiovascular risk factors.

## Key findings

- The patient presented with loss of consciousness and was diagnosed with extensive SCAD involving multiple coronary arteries.
- The patient tested positive for THC, suggesting a possible connection between marijuana use and the development of SCAD.
- The case underscores the importance of considering substance use in the management of complex cardiovascular conditions like SCAD.

## Abstract

This case report presents a detailed examination of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in a 61-year-old Middle Eastern male with a history of marijuana use and essential hypertension. The patient's emergency presentation with loss of consciousness and subsequent diagnostics - including elevated troponins and distinctive electrocardiogram changes - led to the identification of extensive SCAD affecting multiple coronary arteries. The association between marijuana use and cardiovascular pathology is focal in this study, particularly considering the patient's positive test for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and significant smoking history. This case highlights the critical need for heightened awareness among clinicians regarding the implications of recreational marijuana use, particularly in individuals with predisposing cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, it illustrates the complexity of diagnosing and managing SCAD, a condition that may vary widely in its presentation and severity, necessitating a tailored approach to treatment that considers both the acute manifestations and underlying contributory factors such as substance use.