CBD oil is one of the latest consumer trends. From CBD skincare products to CBD kitchen recipes, no corner has been left untouched. Many use it to help with insomnia, while others use it to help ease anxiety. But there are still many things we don’t know about CBD, and people have questions. If you have high blood pressure, for example, is taking CBD a good idea?
Let us know what you think below and then keep reading to learn more about the effects of CBD on cardiovascular health.
CBD and Blood Pressure
There are conflicting research studies regarding the side effects of CBD on blood pressure. While some studies report that the supplement can reduce blood pressure, others warn that the statements have not been evaluated and that there is the potential that it may have adverse effects on individuals with cardiovascular issues.
Research in Favor of CBD for Lowering Blood Pressure
The results of one study show that just one dose of CBD can have positive effects on lowering blood pressure. The double-blind study, with men only, states that a dose of 600mg of CBD lowers both resting blood pressure and stress-induced blood pressure. The results are promising. However, medical professionals must examine the findings more closely, as the initial project focused on just nine individuals.
Research Against CBD for Lowering Blood Pressure
Another study states that CBD has the potential to increase blood pressure, depending on the dose an individual consumes. The research states that CBD can affect cardiovascular events not just in older patients with a history of underlying health issues, but also in younger individuals without pre-existing conditions.
The study also warns that while doses of CBD may raise blood pressure, that orthostatic blood pressure then follows. Orthostatic blood pressure is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can lead to dizziness and loss of consciousness in some individuals.
Neutral Research on CBD and Blood Pressure
Another study covers the findings of 22 individual research projects, each evaluating the effects of CBD on comprehensive cardiovascular health. These elements include blood pressure, heart rate, and blood flow. The studies include information regarding both single doses of CBD and prolonged use.
The information states that single dosing shows no effect on either blood pressure or heart rate, while long-term use does decrease the effect of rising blood pressure during times of stress. This does not mean that it stops a rise in blood pressure altogether.
CBD and Prescription Medication
Harvard Medical School, however, warns of the interactions between CBD and prescription blood thinners. The medical school states that the supplement increases levels of Coumadin in human blood. Coumadin is a prescription medication that acts as a blood thinner. Individuals at risk for blood clots, heart attack, and stroke take the medication as a preventative measure. Complications of having too much in your system include the inability for blood to clot and increased risk of bleeding.
It is known that CBD products can interact with a number of medications and individuals should always check with their treating physician before adding any supplement to their routine, even if they have no known medical condition.
Other Medical Conditions
While we are not yet sure of whether or not taking CBD correlates with an improvement in high blood pressure, studies show promising results for the treatment of other medical conditions.
These include using CBD oil to help manage chronic pain, CBD to help ease the symptoms of PMS, and to relieve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Additionally, there are countless other benefits of using CBD. If you’re wondering what issues you could potentially treat with CBD, take our quiz.
The Final Verdict on CBD and Blood Pressure
As statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, we currently don’t have a finite answer on whether or not CBD has a positive or negative effect on blood pressure. CBD is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. The side effects of CBD combined with other medications and supplements, however, are proven facts that individuals and doctors must be aware of before beginning a routine.
If you are looking to add CBD to your medication and supplement regiment, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor first. Learn how CBD works in the human body, and what to know before you purchase a CBD product.
And, if you have further questions regarding CBD, ask our experts. At GR8NESS, we have experts weigh in on what our readers want to know about the most.