CBD gets a lot of hype online and in some stores as the cure-all for everything from warts to cancer. The strict reality is that “the FDA has not approved CBD for the treatment or cure of any disease.” The practical reality is that CBD, or any cannabis compound, should not be looked to as any kind of miracle cure. However, many people really do find it helpful for various health concerns. One particularly promising area of research is its impact on heart health. This article delves into the potential of CBD to influence blood pressure, the status of research about CBD for heart disease, the relationship between anxiety and cardiovascular health, and how CBD may offer a solution by reducing anxious feelings, stress, and discomfort, thus ultimately improving heart health.
As always – please speak to your physician before altering your medication regimen. CBD is contraindicated with certain blood thinners and beta blockers. If you have been advised against eating grapefruit, this is particularly relevant.
Prefer to listen? Click here to play the audio version of our blog post.
CBD and Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant risk factor for heart disease. It strains the heart and blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues. The relationship between CBD and blood pressure has been a subject of interest for scientists and medical professionals. Several studies have suggested that CBD may help regulate blood pressure. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation in 2017 found that a single dose of CBD reduced resting blood pressure and the blood pressure response to stress in human participants. This suggests that CBD may have a relaxing effect on blood vessels, which can lead to lower blood pressure.
This does not, unfortunately, mean that CBD should or can replace your blood pressure medication. However, it may support your overall efforts to control it. Moreover, CBD's potential to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress – both factors associated with high blood pressure and heart disease – adds to its cardiovascular benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved, these preliminary findings highlight CBD as a promising avenue for helping managing blood pressure and supporting heart health.
The Status of Research into CBD for Heart Disease
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for effective preventive and therapeutic measures. While the research into CBD's role in heart disease is still in its infancy, initial findings suggest a potential positive impact.
In a 2010 study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, researchers found that CBD exerted a protective effect on the heart against myocardial infarction (heart attack) in animal models. The study suggested that CBD's properties may help limit damage to the heart following a cardiac event.
However, it is essential to recognize that these early findings are mostly preclinical and animal-based. To fully understand the effects of CBD on heart disease in humans, larger, long-term clinical trials are needed. The medical community eagerly awaits the results of ongoing research to clarify CBD's role in preventing and treating heart disease.
Anxiety and Its Connection to Heart Health
The relationship between anxiety and heart health is a complex and multifaceted one. Chronic stress and anxiety can take a toll on the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart problems. When a person is under stress or experiences anxiety, their body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate. Anyone who has experienced a panic attack knows that a racing heart, constricted breathing, sweating, and even chest pain can result.
Over time, chronic stress and anxiety can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and other detrimental processes that contribute to the development of heart disease. Furthermore, individuals who experience chronic anxiety may adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption, which can further increase their risk of heart problems.
CBD's Potential in Reducing Anxious Feelings and Stress
CBD has gained popularity for its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. Many people turn to CBD as a natural remedy to alleviate symptoms of anxious feelings and stress without the risk of addiction or adverse side effects associated with certain pharmaceutical medications.
Several studies have explored CBD's effects on anxious feelings, and the results have been promising. A review published in the journal Neurotherapeutics in 2015 concluded that CBD may show potential as a treatment for various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which plays a role in regulating mood and stress responses. By modulating these pathways, CBD may help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
Reducing Anxious Feelings and Stress for Better Heart Health
Reducing anxious feelings and stress is integral to improving heart health. When individuals manage their anxiety effectively, they are less likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors like smoking or overeating. Additionally, lower stress levels can lead to better overall cardiovascular function.
Some ways in which reducing anxiety and stress can contribute to better heart health:
Lower Blood Pressure: Chronic stress can lead to sustained high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease. By reducing stress, individuals may experience a decrease in blood pressure.
Improved Heart Rate Variability: High stress levels can negatively impact heart rate variability, which is a marker of cardiovascular health. Lower stress and anxiety levels can lead to improved heart rate variability and a healthier heart rhythm.
Reduced Inflammation: Chronic stress can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including in the arteries. Reducing stress may help mitigate this inflammatory response, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis and other heart-related issues.
Better Lifestyle Choices: People who are less stressed are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol or tobacco use.
CBD May Be Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation in the body is recognized as part of the process that leads to many diseases. These include coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and even strokes. There is now a great deal of evidence that CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties. Some animal studies have indicated that CBD may have a protective effect on the heart. This has been demonstrated in rats after a heart attack and in mice with heart damage associated with diabetes. However, because these studies are often based on findings in a lab or in animals, not in humans, no one can yet be 100% confident that CBD will benefit the human heart.
CBD as a Tool for Better Heart Health
There are many studies that show the link between stress, anxiety and heart disease. Likewise, there are many studies indicating that CBD may help reduce anxious feelings and stress. There are many studies indicating that inflammation contributes to heart disease and there are many studies showing that CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties. While there has been less research into the direct link between CBD and reducing the risk of heart disease, if CBD reduces anxious feelings and inflammation, it stands to reason that CBD may help reduce the risks of heart disease. Research in this area is worth watching.
Given CBD's potential to reduce anxious feelings, stress, and reduce inflammation, it holds promise as a natural addition to traditional approaches to heart health. Incorporating CBD into a wellness routine may help individuals manage their anxiety and inflammation more effectively, thereby reducing their risk of heart problems.
However, it's important to note that while CBD appears to be safe and well-tolerated in most people, it can interact with certain medications. Individuals with heart conditions who are considering CBD as part of their regimen should consult with their doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their specific circumstances.
Conclusion
CBD's potential impact on heart health is an exciting area of research that offers hope for individuals looking to improve their cardiovascular well-being. While preliminary studies suggest that CBD may help regulate blood pressure, protect the heart against damage, and reduce anxiety and stress, more comprehensive research and human based trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish clear guidelines for its use in heart disease prevention and management.
As the medical community continues to explore the therapeutic potential of CBD, it is essential for individuals to approach CBD use cautiously, especially if they have underlying heart conditions. Consulting with a healthcare provider is the best way to make informed decisions about incorporating CBD into a heart-healthy lifestyle. In the future, as our understanding of CBD's role in heart health deepens, it may become a valuable tool in the fight against heart disease, offering hope to millions of individuals seeking a natural approach to a healthier heart.
As always, if you have questions or want to talk about your particular circumstances, please feel free to contact us at 407-235-0653 or info@bluelotuswellnessandcbd.com or the chat link right here on this page.
Comments