4 Ways CBD May Actually Help Your Heart
Heart health has never been more important than it is now. Nearly 655,000 Americans die from heart disease every year, and that number is projected to only continue rising.
Key Takeaways
- Studies suggest CBD may be able to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and increase blood flow to the brain
- CBD's anti-inflammatory effects may also produce a positive effect on patients suffering from chronic illnesses of all sorts
- Consult a doctor or medical professional before incorporating CBD into your wellness routine, especially if you are taking any other prescribed medications
- Some studies suggest that CBD products with THC may cause irregular heartbeats, but more research is needed to substantiate these claims
However, CBD oil has consistently been studied for its potential health benefits, some of which include the potential to prevent heart disease as well as other heart-related medical conditions.
While CBD is not recommended as a treatment for heart disease alone, researchers have shined a light on some promising results CBD oil may actually provide. So, if you're interested in how CBD oil may promote your overall heart health, then you'll want to keep reading.
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What Is CBD Oil And How Does It Work?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis and hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not possess any psychoactive properties, so users will not experience a "high" with CBD products alone.
When ingested, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, a biological system that impacts many of the body's functions. And researchers are discovering that the endocannabinoid system may play a prominent role in the function of the cardiovascular system overall.
What Research Suggests About CBD And Heart Disease
Research into CBD oil and its purported effects remains in its early stages. But here are some of the latest scientific insights researchers have identified within the cannabis plant.
#1. CBD May Lower High Blood Pressure
Lowering blood pressure remains a key component of protecting oneself against heart disease. While high blood pressure may be spiked by a rise in stress, preclinical data suggest that even a single dose of CBD may be able to lessen said stress, effectively lowering blood pressure.
Clinical trials in a 2017 study identified CBD's ability to lower blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. And a 2021 study found that individuals with high blood pressure observed significant blood pressure reduction after 3 months of consistent CBD use.
While more research is needed to substantiate the claim that cannabidiol reduces blood pressure, such findings have medical professionals and researchers alike optimistic.
#2. CBD May Reduce Cholesterol Levels
"Bad" cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), has been proven to increase the risk of individuals developing cardiovascular diseases. And this happens when LDL builds up in the lining of blood vessels, effectively causing a blockage that can ultimately lead to a heart attack or stroke.
But CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may help to relax arterial walls while reducing both blood pressure and excess cholesterol. In fact, a recent study identified CBD's ability to modulate cholesterol homeostasis in microglial cells.
#3. CBD May Increase Cerebral Blood Flow
Heart disease can increase individuals' risk of experiencing a stroke. But numerous studies have identified CBD's ability to protect patients against the most harmful effects of a stroke.
In 2010, researchers found that CBD was able to protect stroke patients from severe brain damage while aiding overall recovery and boosting brain function. Additionally, a 2017 review found that CBD managed to increase blood flow to the brain during a stroke.
These reviews, in particular, focused on animal studies, so more substantial evidence is needed to back these claims as they may apply to humans. But the fact that CBD may potentially protect against the most life-threatening symptoms associated with heart attacks and strokes is promising in and of itself.
#4. CBD's Anti-Inflammatory Properties May Affect The Coronary Artery
There's plenty of research out there that suggests inflammation may be the root cause of many different chronic illnesses. And that's what makes CBD's anti-inflammatory effects so promising in the medical world.
Inflamed blood vessels make it more challenging for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. But one study found that CBD may actually have a direct effect on the arteries themselves.
By reducing inflammation in the arteries and blood vessels, CBD may help to ease the strain on the heart, potentially preventing heart failure within the cardiovascular system.
Of course, more research and clinical trials are needed to back these claims definitively. But the clinical data we do have on hand so far shows great promise.
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FAQs about CBD For Heart Disease
Are There Any Risk Factors Associating With Taking CBD For Heart Health?
While the World Health Organization states that CBD products are generally well-tolerated by most users, there are a few things you will want to consider before buying CBD.
If you are taking any other drugs or previously prescribed medications, you will want to speak with a medical professional before involving CBD in your wellness routine. Some studies suggest that CBD may interfere with the way the liver processes other medications.
So if you're already taking a drug prescribed by your doctor, you'll want to confirm with them that CBD will cause no interactions whatsoever.
Can CBD Cause Heart Palpitations?
Some research has suggested that medical cannabis may cause irregular heartbeats. But these studies have focused namely on products that include THC.
More research is needed to determine whether CBD actually causes heart palpitations on its own. But for the most part, users can feel confident using CBD products that contain no THC whatsoever.
Final Thoughts
Our products at Clean Remedies are crafted with your health and wellness in mind. So, feel free to browse our inventory to determine whether CBD may be right for you.
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