Famous doctors, as well as politicians, are familiar with the potential health benefits of Cannabis. This is the reason why a lot of states in the US have now legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. It is essential to know that it’s not the feeling of “high” that gives healing benefits. Actually, a lot of research shows how CBD or non-intoxicating cannabinoid backs up well and balanced body functions.
Both scientists and researchers have found out that CBD interacts directly with a system of the human body called the endocannabinoid systems or ECS, as well as the endocrine system. Meaning, CBD is capable of helping everything from pain management, weight loss, good night’s sleep to hormonal balances, and more. But, many are asking, “what are the CBD effects on the heart”?
The recent buzz in the medicinal world is about CBD being associated with the cardiovascular system. Though a lot of studies are still going on right now, some new findings are suggesting that CBD for heart health is possible.
Can CBD manage blood pressure?
Most of the time, when a person is identified with high blood pressure or hypertension, the immediate prescription of a doctor is an extensive lifestyle change. There are times that the doctor will also recommend a medication that needs to be done for life. Yes, a patient with hypertension needs to make such important modifications to work on their heart health because if not, there will be a bigger chances of stroke, heart attack, even kidney disease. Nowadays, a new method is considered to add to these patients’ daily routine, and that is using CBD oil or other CBD products.
In a study done in 2017, scientists found out that CBD is beneficial in lowering both the diastolic and systolic blood pressure of ten male participants as compared to those given with placebo. The research also examined the participants’ blood pressure prior to and after the mental stress assessments. They are surprised that CBD has managed to keep the blood pressure normal all throughout the stressful situations.
This study also answers the questions- “does CBD lower heart rate” and “does CBD increase heart rate.” The experts conducted a small study that includes 24 volunteers having social anxiety. Then, accordingly, CBD normalizes heart rates and also lowered blood pressure- and this is afore they proceed to start their public speaking assessment.
High blood pressure definitely is the number one cause for intensive heart disease. When you are under stress, your blood pressure rises; however, some studies recommend a dosage of CBD can lower high heart rates.
Another study done in 2009 used rats as the subjects to a nerve-wracking situation that made their heart rates and blood pressure to increase. Giving them a dosage of CBD has managed both their heart rate and blood pressure.
Moreover, in a study done in 2017, some healthy humans volunteered to be the subjects of a stress test. They were given CBD, and same as the previous studies, CBD has successfully dropped their blood pressures and heart rates, unlike those volunteers who are given with placebo.
Needless to say, further studies and research are needed before we can surely conclude that it is good to incorporate CBD for heart health. But base on these recent studies, the answer to the question-“does CBD lower heart rate” is yes, while the answer to the question-“does CBD increase heart rate” is no! CBD could potentially be beneficial in managing heart rates and blood pressure, especially when a person is under stress. Though there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that shows the health benefits of CBD, there is still a lot that we don’t know; that is why we need to find out more.
Also, you have to be careful of where you get CBD because a lot of over the counter CBD products are not regulated by the FDA or Food and Drug Administration.
Can CBD lower cholesterol?
Cholesterol is simply a fatty lipid molecule that is present in every cell within the body. Then, there are two types of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and the second one is the high-density lipoprotein (HDL). These two are quite different in structure, and the LDL cholesterol is considered as bad cholesterol, while the HDL cholesterol is known as the good cholesterol. A study done in 2011 discovered that CBD affects metabolism-related genes that help in managing the levels of cholesterol in microglial cells. Through this, they have found out that CBD can really lower cholesterol by preventing the high levels of LDL cholesterol.
CBD Effects on the Heart
In general, patients with heart conditions could suffer a lot of inflammation. Recent studies show that the immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory abilities of CBD, along with its anti-oxidant effects, could protect the heart from possible tissue damage. This damage happens when the condition causes a lack of oxygen and blood supplies.
In addition, CBD also gives protection to the heart away from cardiomyopathy. A severe heart condition that causes hardening and thickening, along with a subsequent limitation of blood flow within the blood vessels. Most of the studies done show how CBD could stop endotoxin production. These are known to be pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause the development of some heart conditions. Perse, by stopping their production, CBD could help in the healing process of such severe heart conditions. Therefore, the CBD effects on the heart have shown its capability to calm inflammation, act as an anti-oxidant, be an immune modulator, and relax arterial walls. It is indeed evident that CBD products can be used as an alternative to improve heart conditions and overall heart health medically. Yet further human studies are still needed to support such claims.