The Month of February has been identified as American Heart Month, as heart related disease claims the lives of nearly 700,000 Americans annually. In these cases heart attacks, strokes, and coronary heart disease are the most commonly cited causes of death.
Healthcare professionals encourage a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management to prevent disease and promote heart health. This raises the question, “Does CBD improve cardiovascular health?”
In 2018, The Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD and analysts predict the industry will reach $20 billion in the United States by 2025. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the use of CBD, nor do they provide recommendations for dosages.
Cannabis has been used for centuries due to its beneficial properties. CBD users most commonly cite: pain relief, reduced anxiety or feelings of depression, less inflammation or nausea, improved heart health, and better focus or sleep, as reasons for choosing CBD for their wellness needs.
Prior to any life change regarding your health, please consult a physician or trusted medical professional to discuss all concerns. When selecting CBD products, do some research, and choose a quality source by examining the product’s COA(Certificate of Analysis) to ensure that it has been tested for purity, and is free of THC or harmful contaminants.
In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a popular topic of interest in the realm of health and wellness. With its purported therapeutic properties, CBD has been studied extensively for its potential benefits, including its effects on cardiovascular health. Edibles such as, gummies, softgels, and tinctures or and topicals, in the form of lotions or creams, are most commonly used. While research is still in its early stages, there is growing evidence suggesting that CBD may play a role in promoting heart health and managing certain cardiovascular conditions.
CBD, a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various physiological functions, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and yes, cardiovascular function. The ECS is composed of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids produced by the body, and enzymes responsible for their synthesis and breakdown.
An area of interest in CBD research is its potential to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Studies have shown that CBD may help dilate blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure levels. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a single dose of CBD significantly reduced resting blood pressure and the blood pressure response to stress in human subjects. SEE HERE
Furthermore, CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may also contribute to its cardiovascular benefits. Chronic inflammation is believed to play a role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, and CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation in various animal studies. By decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, CBD may help protect the heart and blood vessels from damage caused by conditions such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Another area of interest is CBD’s potential to alleviate symptoms associated with certain cardiovascular conditions, such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats) and ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart). While more research is needed in this area, pre-clinical studies have shown promising results. A 2010 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that CBD reduced infarct size and improved heart function in animal models of ischemia-reperfusion injury, a common cause of heart attack.
In conclusion, it is important to note that while preliminary findings are promising, more large-scale clinical trials are needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on cardiovascular health. Like any supplement or medication, CBD may interact with other drugs, and its long-term effects are still not well understood. The use of CBD as a complementary therapy for cardiovascular conditions should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional, especially for individuals taking medications for heart disease or hypertension.