CBD, known for its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, has sparked interest in its impact on blood pressure. Research suggests that CBD could have a positive effect, helping to regulate pressure under certain conditions, such as improving circulation and reducing anxiety, which in turn could lower blood pressure. However, the response to CBD can vary significantly among individuals, and its interaction with specific medications underscores the importance of medical consultation before its use.
Although the potential of CBD to influence cardiovascular health is promising, the science behind its effects on hypertension is still evolving. Caution is advised, and an open discussion with healthcare professionals is recommended to ensure a balanced and safe approach to managing blood pressure, especially for those already under medical treatment for pre-existing conditions.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure can be defined as the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood with each beat. It is divided into two values: systolic pressure, the higher value that occurs with each heartbeat, and diastolic pressure, the lower value obtained between heartbeats. A normal blood pressure value does not exceed 120 mmHg for systolic pressure and 80 mmHg for diastolic pressure.
What Is Hypertension?
Blood pressure can normally vary throughout the day, rising or falling depending on our state (at rest, intense activity, stress). The problem arises when the pressure increases and consistently remains above its normal value, which is when we speak of hypertension.
There are two types of hypertension:
- Primary: the most common, with no identified cause, develops over the years.
- Secondary: Sudden onset and more dangerous. It is often the result of diseases, disorders, or excessive use or consumption of certain medications and substances.
Although hypertension develops silently, there comes a time when it begins to present symptoms such as:
- Migraines.
- Nosebleeds.
- Shortness of breath.
- Dizziness.
- Chest pain.
- Feeling of warmth.
- Visual disturbances.
- Blood in the urine.
Can CBD Increase Blood Pressure?
On the contrary. The vast majority of studies and trials conducted to date have yielded promising results pointing to CBD, taken in the appropriate doses, as an effective treatment to regulate and decrease our blood pressure and heart rate.
What Are the Cardiovascular Effects of CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the active compounds present in cannabis, which is being studied for its numerous healing properties. While many studies are still needed to prove its benefits, various trials have determined that CBD has a globally positive impact on the cardiovascular system, helping to alleviate symptoms, recover from, or protect against diseases such as:
- Hypertension.
- Heart attacks.
- Strokes.
- Ischemia.
- Myocarditis.
- Secondary complications resulting from diseases like diabetes.
CBD, or cannabidiol, being a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, including in the cardiovascular realm. Various research has begun to explore how this compound can affect the heart and cardiovascular diseases, offering a promising perspective for future therapeutic applications.
Reduction of Blood Pressure
Studies suggest that CBD may help dilate blood vessels, thus facilitating blood flow and reducing blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
CBD has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects that could reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and other related events.
Heart Protection
Preclinical research in animals has indicated a protective effect of CBD on the heart, especially after a heart attack or in the context of cardiac damage related to diabetes.
Precautions and Side Effects
CBD is generally well tolerated by those who consume it, but it is not without potential adverse side effects such as:
- Dry mouth.
- Diarrhea.
- Decreased appetite.
- Indigestion.
- Drowsiness.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Blood pressure drop.
It is also crucial to be very attentive to CBD’s interactions with other medications and therapeutic herbs, so its use is not recommended for people on medical treatment. Nor is it recommended for pregnant women, children under two years old, and people with a history of drug use or severe mental illnesses.
- Interactions with Medications: It’s crucial to consider potential interactions of CBD with cardiovascular medications, especially anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, due to the risk of enhancing effects like increased bleeding risk.
- Caution with Supplementation: Due to the lack of regulation in supplements like CBD, it is advisable to proceed with caution and under the supervision of a specialist in medicinal cannabis.
Therapeutic Properties of CBD
Unlike THC, also present in the cannabis plant, this compound does not have psychoactive properties, so there is no risk of experiencing a high or developing an addiction from its consumption. Cannabidiol acts in our body through various mechanisms, mainly the endocannabinoid system and certain very specific receptors, giving it the ability to relieve various ailments and diseases, notably having the following properties:
- Anticonvulsant.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Anxiolytic.
- Antipsychotic.
- Antioxidant.
- Antineoplastic.
Effective in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Its ability to act on receptors responsible for pain makes CBD an excellent analgesic, effective in alleviating ailments caused by diseases such as:
- Fibromyalgia.
- Arthritis.
- Chronic pain disorders.
- Neuropathies, etc.
How Can I Take CBD for Hypertension?
Cannabidiol is available in different presentations, each designed for a specific use and patient convenience. These presentations include:
- Oils and tinctures in which CBD is diluted are designed for applying the dose under the tongue or adding it to foods. They have moderate efficacy.
- Edibles like chewable gummies, teas, etc. This is one of the most popular methods due to its discretion and ease of consumption, but at the same time the least effective.
- Soft gelatin capsules, to be taken like any other medication.
- Topicals are designed to be placed on the skin and act through absorption. Their effect is slower.
- Vaping essence, specially formulated for vaporization, is the fastest and most effective method to ingest CBD and enjoy its properties.
As for the daily dose, the most recommended is between 0.5 and 20 milligrams or 1 to 3 drops of 5% oil. It is possible to obtain extracts with concentrations of up to 40%, so you will have to do your calculation to adjust the dose.
Don’t forget that each person is different. Therefore, it is best to consult an expert knowledgeable in the use of CBD for therapeutic purposes to indicate the exact dose that safely fits into your body.
Research and Future Perspectives
Although preclinical evidence is promising, the need for clinical trials in humans is imperative to confirm the efficacy and safety of CBD in the treatment and management of cardiovascular diseases. Specialists emphasize the importance of medical guidance before integrating CBD into therapeutic regimens for heart conditions, given the heart’s complexity as an organ and the variety of existing cardiovascular diseases.
CBD has relaxing capabilities, reducing tension in the body and stress levels. This can directly impact the well-being of our cardiovascular system, contributing to vasodilation and regulation of heart rhythm