Does CBD Lower Blood Pressure
Many people are turning to Cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential remedy for various health issues, including high blood pressure.
But does CBD lower blood pressure effectively? It’s a question of great interest to the medical community and those suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Preliminary research indicates a promising correlation between cannabinoids and heart disease management.
It’s suggested that CBD might interact with the cardiovascular system and blood vessels, potentially contributing to lowering blood pressure. Some even claim that the impact of weed and blood pressure could prove beneficial.
However, it’s important to understand that while marijuana’s usage in a medical context is growing, the relationship between CBD, coronary artery disease, and cardiovascular disease is complex and needs extensive scrutiny.
The exploration of medical marijuana as a potential tool for blood pressure management is in its infancy.
If you’re intrigued to know more about the profound potential of CBD in managing cardiovascular health, read on!
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is one of the many compounds derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Unlike THC, which is another compound found in the same plant, CBD does not have psychoactive properties.
This means that it doesn’t cause the characteristic “high” associated with marijuana use. Across the globe, people are exploring the beneficial effects of CBD, utilizing it in various forms such as pure CBD and full spectrum CBD oil.
CBD Isolate
Pure CBD, also known as CBD isolate, is the purest form of cannabidiol. It contains no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids.
People who smoke marijuana may turn to pure CBD to reap the potential health benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Pure CBD could be a safer alternative to tobacco smoke, which is known for its harmful effects on lung health.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD oil is a more potent form of cannabidiol. It contains other components from the Cannabis Sativa plant such as terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids.
Unlike pure CBD, it may have some psychoactive effects due to the presence of THC in trace amounts.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is also an option. While it contains other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids like full-spectrum CBD oil, it does not contain any THC.
Individuals seeking the potential therapeutic advantages of CBD, devoid of any psychoactive effects, may opt for this alternative..
How CBD Works
Research studies have found that Cannabidiol (CBD) can lower systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats, by an average of 5-10 mmHg.
Additionally, CBD has been found to lower diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure between heartbeats when the heart is at rest, by an average of 6-9 mmHg.
These findings suggest that CBD has the potential to significantly reduce blood pressure.
However, it’s important to understand that CBD does not lower blood pressure immediately. Just like with most supplements and medications, the effects of CBD on arterial blood pressure can take several weeks to fully manifest.
This gradual effect is due to the body needing time to metabolize and adapt to the introduction of cannabinoids into the system.
On another note, some people might wonder about the possible risks of marijuana smoke in relation to blood pressure. However, it’s worth noting that smoke from the cannabis plant is different from that of tobacco.
While inhaling marijuana smoke can increase heart rate temporarily, it does not have the same long-term harmful effects on the cardiovascular system as tobacco smoke does.
CBD’s potential to lower blood pressure could have significant implications for those at risk of heart attack or atrial fibrillation, conditions often associated with high blood pressure. By maintaining a healthy blood pressure, the risk of such conditions could potentially be reduced.
To sum up, the evidence suggesting that cannabidiol reduces blood pressure is promising and highlights the potential of CBD as a natural alternative for managing blood pressure. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which CBD influences blood pressure and the long-term effects of its use.
As always, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or medication.
Risks of Taking CBD Products
With its many benefits, CBD also comes with certain risks and potential side effects. Here is a list of some of the possible risks and side effects that CBD users may experience:
Dry Mouth
CBD can cause dry mouth, a condition also known as “cottonmouth.” This can leave the user feeling uncomfortable and thirsty.
Low Blood Pressure
High doses of CBD can lead to a decrease in blood pressure within a few minutes of the CBD entering the body. This can cause feelings of light-headedness and, in rare cases, could lead to fainting.
Lightheadedness
This is often due to the aforementioned low blood pressure. The user might feel dizzy or lightheaded, particularly if they stand up too quickly.
Drowsiness
Depending on the individual, CBD can either cause drowsiness or alertness. If you are one of those who experience drowsiness, it is advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming CBD.
Potential Liver Injury
CBD, specifically in its high-dose prescription form Epidiolex, has been reported to cause signs of liver injury in some cases.
Increased Risk for Marijuana Users
Regular marijuana users who also use CBD might be at a higher risk of experiencing side effects. This is due to the combined effects of CBD and THC.
Cardiovascular Consequences
Although CBD has shown promising cardiovascular effects, the long-term effects and their implications are not fully understood. The possibility of cardiovascular consequences, particularly for those at risk of heart disease, should not be overlooked.
Interaction with Other Medications
CBD may interact with certain drugs, enhancing or inhibiting their effects. This can lead to an increased risk of side effects or reduced effectiveness of the medication.
Remember, while CBD offers potential health benefits, it’s crucial to use it responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. As with any supplement or medication, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the possible risks.
Types of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common condition that increases the risk of severe cardiovascular disorders, including heart attacks and heart failure. It is crucial to address this prevalent ailment to safeguard cardiovascular health and overall well-being. It is categorized into two types: primary and secondary hypertension. Both types have their unique causes and can present different signs and symptoms.
Primary Hypertension
Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is a type of high blood pressure that doesn’t have a discernible medical cause. It develops gradually over time, often as a result of multiple factors such as genetics, age, diet, and lifestyle.
Researchers postulate that the substances that regulate blood pressure in the kidney, nervous system, and blood vessels may cause primary hypertension. It’s interesting to note that these are the same substances researchers believe contribute to secondary hypertension.
The signs and symptoms of primary hypertension are often subtle and may go unnoticed for a long time. They include:
- frequent headaches
- fatigue
- difficulty breathing
- irregular heartbeat
- and chest pain
If left untreated, primary hypertension can lead to serious complications like heart failure and stroke.
Secondary Hypertension
Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is a type of high blood pressure that results from an underlying health condition.
It usually develops suddenly and leads to higher blood pressure levels than primary hypertension. This form of hypertension can be triggered by conditions such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or as a side effect of certain medications.
The signs and symptoms of secondary hypertension are similar to those of primary hypertension but are often more severe due to the rapid onset of the condition. These can include:
- severe headaches
- shortness of breath
- and significant chest pain which may indicate a heightened risk of heart attacks
What is the Best Type of CBD for Blood Pressure
When it comes to managing high blood pressure, the choice of CBD product matters considerably. CBD is available in a multitude of forms, including oils, tinctures, topicals, and edibles, among others.
However, for blood pressure regulation, CBD oil or tincture is likely the most efficacious. The reason lies in their superior bioavailability, which refers to the proportion of CBD that enters the circulation after consumption and is thus able to have an active effect.
This means that a higher proportion of the active substance is absorbed from oils and tinctures, leading to a more profound effect. Moreover, these products, particularly when consumed sublingually (under the tongue), produce a systemic effect, influencing the entire body rather than a localized area.
This makes them ideal for addressing conditions such as high blood pressure that require a full-body approach.
Is CBD Safe for High Blood Pressure
According to an article published by PubMed in 2017, CBD was found to be safe and well-tolerated in humans, even contributing to reduced resting blood pressure in a study conducted with nine healthy male volunteers.
CBD comes in diverse forms such as oils, tinctures, topicals, and edibles. For high blood pressure, CBD oil or tincture is considered the most effective.
Their superior bioavailability ensures a higher proportion of active substance absorption, inducing a systemic effect ideal for conditions like hypertension.
However, potential side effects of CBD usage, including dry mouth, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and possible liver injury, emphasize the importance of responsible usage under medical supervision.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, CBD appears to hold promise as a supplement for managing high blood pressure. With its potential to lower resting blood pressure and the wide range of forms available, it offers a flexible approach to hypertension management.
However, the potential side effects, interactions with other medications, and varying effects on individuals underline the necessity of using CBD under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
Research into CBD’s long-term effectiveness and safety continues to grow, making it crucial for users to stay informed about the latest findings.