In 2017, high blood pressure was the cause of nearly 1,300 deaths a day in the United States. Americans spend several hundred billion dollars in total a year trying to combat high blood pressure. Recently, the hemp community has begun looking into CBD’s potential as an organic wellness product for high blood pressure. Do CBD and blood pressure have a correlation?
But whether CBD can lower blood pressure is still largely up for debate. Before users rush to purchase CBD for high blood pressure, they should educate themselves not only on the disease but on CBD’s relationship with it.
Overview of Cannabidiol
One of the hundreds of compounds found in the cannabis plant is cannabidiol. A cursory look online will prove just how popular this particular substance has become.
In recent years, CBD’s popularity has skyrocketed in the United States. Many regular users openly share how successful this hemp compound has been for them online.
The most popular use for cannabidiol has been in combating chronic pain. Researchers conducted a study to test CBD against arthritis pain. These researchers used rats with arthritis as test subjects and applied CBD directly on their joints. The results of the experiment showed that cannabidiol had a strong potential to relieve joints inflamed by arthritis.
Through rigorous testing and observation, scientists were able to analyze cannabidiol’s potential in reducing pain caused by inflammation. A survey conducted gathered data from users taking CBD products for a host of illnesses. 90% of participants claimed that their cannabidiol dosage helped in decreasing the frequency and duration of their pain.
Another popular use for this hemp product is in lowering anxiety. Research has found cannabidiol to be a possible serotonin modulator, capable of increasing the serotonin count in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can affect a person’s overall mood. People with low serotonin levels are more stressed, anxious, and even depressed.
As the hemp industry continues to grow, more research on CBD can be conducted, allowing the community to learn more about this hemp compound.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
When scientists first discovered the endocannabinoid system (ECS), they presumed that its receptors were present only in the brain and the nerves. However, through updated research, they were able to find ECS receptors throughout the body.
Research has shown that endocannabinoid receptors can be located in key locations throughout the body.
Many vital bodily functions can be linked back to the ECS. These range from pain, memory, appetite, mood, and even reproductive function. The endocannabinoid system is one of the most widespread and versatile signaling molecules present in the human body.
On a molecular level, the ECS is made up of three components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Each of these components is crucial to the smooth functioning of the entire system.
When people develop an endocannabinoid deficiency, a host of illnesses related to the immune system and inflammation may likewise occur. This deficiency occurs when there are not enough endocannabinoids or receptors present in the system.
If any of the three components of the ECS reach low levels, several bodily functions become unregulated and unbalanced. Supplements can help boost the receptor count in the ECS. CBD has been found to be potentially effective in increasing the endocannabinoid count in the ECS.
In the same vein, cannabidiol has been found most effective when it interacts with the ECS. Many of the hemp compound’s popular side effects are because of cannabidiol’s interaction with specific receptors found in the ECS.
Does CBD Lower Blood Pressure?
There are many ways to naturally lower blood pressure without using any kind of drug or supplement. Individuals that notice a spike in their blood pressure can try to reduce their stress, salt intake, and consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet can also lead to an overall healthy body.
However, some people require medical assistance to reduce blood pressure. Doctors commonly prescribe calcium channel blockers and ACE-inhibitors to individuals with high blood pressure. Unfortunately, these drugs have negative side effects that make taking them difficult. Patients report headaches, dizziness, constipation, and swollen ankles.
CBD for blood pressure is a new initiative the hemp community is exploring for users. If successful, CBD oil can become an organic alternative to the above-mentioned drugs.
CBD’s effects on blood pressure are in the early stages. A study analyzed CBD’s stress response and found that this compound is able to dilate blood vessels that lead to a lowering of blood pressure.
When people experience high amounts of emotional or physical stress, the “cortisol” hormone is released. Increased amounts of this hormone can raise blood pressure. The study theorized that if people take a dose of CBD when this occurs, stress levels and blood pressure may subsequently lower.
Research on CBD oil for high blood pressure is still in the early stages. More tests are necessary before this hemp compound’s effect on blood flow can be completely confirmed.
CBD Effects on High Blood: Research and Studies
There has been some preliminary research conducted on CBD oil and blood pressure to explore the possibilities.
A study on the effects of cannabidiol on plasma prolactin showed that CBD oil was able to lower cortisol levels in the 11 participants. The results of these participants showed a significant lowering of cortisol levels when given 300mg and 600mg of CBD versus when they were given placebos.
A similar research project conducted in 2017 gave nine male participants 600mg of CBD oil in a single dose. The result showed that the acute administration of cannabidiol may be able to reduce resting blood pressure.
The participants of this study then underwent a series of stress tests to increase their heart rate. The men who were on CBD had lower stress-induced blood pressure spikes than their counterparts who took placebos.
Although more research on CBD and blood pressure is necessary, the results of these initial forays into the field are promising.
Does CBD Affect Heart Rate?
The most promising evidence related to CBD’s effect on users’ heart rate is related to its success in reducing anxiety.
Severe and frequent anxiety episodes cause rapid heart rate and palpitations. This can then lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Research has shown that cannabidiol may be able to modulate serotonin levels in the brain. Low amounts of serotonin results in more stress, anxiety, and even depression.
On the other hand, cannabidiol has also been tested for its anti-inflammatory effect in the heart. CBD’s potential as a vasorelaxant means it may be able to lower blood pressure and allow for more blood to flow into the heart.
Users suffering from any heart issues or complications in their blood pressure should consult with their doctor. Cannabidiol is a wellness product that is effective if taken in unison with prescribed medication and a doctor’s recommendation.
CBD for Blood Pressure FAQs
Can CBD oil affect blood pressure?
Some studies have shown that cannabidiol may be able to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, but users should consult with their doctor before taking any CBD products.
How much does CBD affect blood pressure?
Like any product, the overall effect of CBD varies from user to user. How effective cannabidiol is in reducing blood pressure depends on the user’s lifestyle and whether they are likewise taking prescribed medication.
Does CBD oil lower blood pressure?
Although multiple research projects have shown promising results regarding this inquiry, it is still too early to confirm CBD’s role in lowering blood pressure. More research is needed.
What dose of CBD oil helps high blood pressure?
The dose a user needs to take for this hemp compound to prove effective in their system varies. In general, it is extremely difficult to state a universal, effective dosage for CBD.
Users can consult their doctor or begin with the product’s recommended dosage and adjust their dosage as they go.
Can you use CBD oil with medicine for blood pressure?
Although the chances of a negative reaction from mixing CBD oil with prescribed medication are low, it is still crucial to consult with a doctor before doing so.
Taking CBD oil with some prescribed medication may lead to negative side effects.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level. Moreover, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and products that have not been FDA approved. Likewise, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase these products. Talk to your physician or medical doctor for additional information.