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

## TL;DR

A young woman developed atrial fibrillation after smoking marijuana, with no other known risk factors, suggesting a possible link between cannabis use and heart rhythm issues.

## Contribution

This case report highlights a potential causal relationship between marijuana use and new-onset atrial fibrillation in young, otherwise healthy individuals.

## Key findings

- A 38-year-old woman with no significant medical history developed atrial fibrillation after smoking marijuana.
- No other cardiac or metabolic conditions were identified to explain the atrial fibrillation.
- The atrial fibrillation resolved within three hours without treatment.

## Abstract

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.

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.

Cannabis use should be considered as a possible etiology of new-onset AF, especially in relatively young patients with no other predisposing risk factors.