CBD for Heart Disease: What Studies Suggest
CBD is one of the 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive compound that doesn’t make its user high. Cannabinoids affect your endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for keeping your body in homeostasis or in balance. Here we are going to put a spotlight on the use of CBD for heart disease. Also, we will discuss current research surrounding this fact.
When your body is affected by inflammation or disease, cannabidiol may boost your endocannabinoid system to do its job as a body regulator.
But to understand CBD for heart disease needs more research
CBD has been getting a lot of buzz lately, showing up in a wide range of products including tinctures, edibles, topicals, and so on. Cannabidiol has been touted as a substance that may ease chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and even heart disease.
Although research on CBD oil is still in its infancy, some research and anecdotal evidence show the potential benefits of cannabidiol. Still, there is a lot we don’t know about the benefits of CBD yet. Currently, over-the-counter CBD products are not regulated by the FDA, but the only health condition for which CBD is approved is epilepsy.
What the Research Says About CBD & Heart disease
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of cannabidiol may be able to reduce the risks that can lead to heart disease like hypertension and other related conditions like stroke.
High Blood Pressure
For hypertensive heart disease, high blood pressure or hypertension is the leading risk factor. Under stress, blood pressure can rise but a dose of CBD can lessen that spike, some research suggests.
In a 2009 study, rats were subjected to a stressful event that caused their blood pressure and heart rate to rise high. A dose of CBD reduced both the blood pressure and heart rate.
In a 2017 study, a group of healthy humans were subjected to a stressful event and then given a dose of cannabidiol. CBD showed its efficacy by lowering the blood pressure and heart rates as compared to the volunteers who were given placebo.
Results of those studies show that CBD can lower the blood pressure and heart rate under stress. But to say for sure, more research needs to be done.
However, a 2017 review of 25 studies concluded that there is no evidence that CBD shows the same results under relaxing conditions. Talk to your physician before trying CBD if you have hypertension.
Stroke
There are mainly three types of brain stroke: transient ischemic attack, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke. When a blood clot blocks the blood flow to the brain, ischemic stroke happens. When a blood vessel bursts in the brain then it is called hemorrhagic stroke.
A 2010 review concluded that CBD may be helpful in protecting patients from brain damage due to stroke. Moreover, it also can help recover patients by boosting brain function.
CBD was found to increase cerebral blood flow during stroke, A 2017 review concluded. Those studies were done mostly on animals but more research is required to find whether findings can be applied to humans also.
CBD for Heart Disease: How To Use
CBD comes in a variety of forms like edibles, oils and CBD tinctures, gummies, capsules, lotions and creams, and so on. Taking CBD under your tongue is an easy method of ingesting CBD.
Sublingual ingestion of CBD is safer than many other delivery methods like vaping. They also provide rapid and stronger effects almost instantly. Since The FDA doesn’t regulate these OTC CBD products, do your own research before you decide to purchase. You should consult with your doctor before trying CBD.
Always start out with a small dose. Then you can adjust your dose by increasing or decreasing the concentration of CBD gradually. Taking a high dose initially may cause side effects. We recommend you try different delivery methods and find out your niche.
Side Effects
Researchers suggest that CBD has a few side effects which are mild and may last up to 2 to 4 hours. The WHO states that CBD can be considered a safe drug. It is not addictive and you probably can not overdose on cannabidiol. Still there are a few important things you need to keep in mind while using CBD products.
The possible side effects you may experience while using CBD oil are:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in Appetite
- Changes in Weight
CBD may interact with other medications and supplements you are taking. Consult with your doctor before adding CBD in your daily routine. Your physician can help you figure out the dose and schedule for using CBD along with other prescribed drugs. Do not stop your prescribed medications to try CBD.
Although CBD shows its efficacy in helping with heart ailments, still more research is required to understand the benefits of CBD for heart disease and other health complications.
