Let’s dive into CBD and High Blood Pressure: The Research. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently elevated, putting extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. There is no known cure for hypertension, but many treatments are available to help manage the condition, including medication and lifestyle changes.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of CBD, or cannabidiol, as a potential treatment for high blood pressure. CBD is a non-intoxicating compound found in the cannabis plant, and it has been shown to have a range of therapeutic effects for a variety of consumers, including reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and relieving pain.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Before we dive into the research on CBD and high blood pressure, it’s important to understand what blood pressure is and how it’s measured. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries as it circulates through the body. It’s measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two numbers: the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number).
A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg. Anything above this is considered high and may require treatment. Blood pressure can be affected by a variety of factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions.
How CBD Affects Blood Pressure
CBD has been shown to have a range of effects on the body, including influencing the cardiovascular system. Some studies have suggested that CBD may help to reduce blood pressure in certain circumstances and for certain consumers.
For example, a 2017 study published in the journal JCI Insight found that a single dose of CBD reduced resting blood pressure and the blood pressure response to stress in healthy adults. The same journal, found that CBD improved blood flow and reduced vascular resistance in the brains of people with diabetes.
Potential Benefits of CBD for High Blood Pressure
While the research on CBD and blood pressure is still in its early stages, there are several potential benefits that have been suggested by studies to date. These include:
Reducing Anxiety and Stress
One of the primary benefits of CBD is its ability to reduce anxiety and stress. High levels of stress can contribute to high blood pressure, so reducing stress may help to improve blood pressure levels.
CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Protecting the Heart and Blood Vessels
CBD has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to protect the heart and blood vessels from damage, as well as help lower blood pressure with long term application.
Improving Sleep Quality
CBD has been shown to improve sleep quality in people with insomnia, which may help to reduce blood pressure levels.
While much of the research on CBD and high blood pressure is still in its early stages, there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may have a range of benefits for people with hypertension. If you are considering using CBD to manage your high blood pressure, it is important to speak with your primary care physician, and start with a very small dose of CBD while monitoring your blood pressure closely to achieve the desired outcome. For more on CBD dosing, see How to Dose CBD from the Eables CBD blog.
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