Data from the South African Heart Foundation suggests that high blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most serious risk factors for death from heart disease and stroke, responsible for 13% of all deaths globally. In South Africa, 1 in 3 adults live with hypertension – it is responsible for 1 in every 2 strokes and 2 in every 5 heart attacks. High blood pressure is known as a “silent killer” because there are rarely any symptoms or visible signs to warn that your blood pressure is high. Unsurprisingly, more than 50% of people with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition. In some cases, typically with very high BP, symptoms such as headaches, visual disturbances, nose blees, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing and sleepiness may be experienced.
Hypertension becomes more likely with old age, but it can strike anyone, no matter your age, gender, fitness level or lifestyle. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. You should measure your BP at least once every year, more often if it tends to be high. What is a high BP level? While your blood pressure fluctuates, there’s a normal range within which it can fall and rise. Ideally, you want to fall below a reading of 130mmHg systolic BP over 85 mmHg diastolic BP. With a reading of 140/90, you’re classified over “mildly hypertensive”, and 180/110 is a medical emergency. Roughly one-third of South African adults experience a rise well above the normal range.
Chronically elevating pressure in your blood vessels, which are one of the body’s thinnest networks, hypertension contributes to over 10 million global deaths per year. It’s a high-risk, long-term condition that plagues millions of people across the globe. In the face of a vicious rising trend with no end in sight, we need to look at alternative remedies that may aid in symptom relief – or even high blood pressure itself. Many are turning away from pharmaceuticals in search of an effective, natural approach – and they don’t come any better than CBD oil.
The short answer is “yes”. CBD oil could very well cause a modest drop in a person’s blood pressure levels, when taken in high doses. In order to understand how CBD might benefit someone with hypertension, we need to take a more in-depth look at how this medical cannabis compound works in the body to affect one’s blood pressure. Before we get started, it’s important to mention that if you’re new or unfamiliar with CBD or if you’re taking any prescription medication, please consult with your doctor before starting your CBD oil journey.
First and foremost, CBD acts as a natural vasodilator, helping to improve positive cardiovascular health. Vasodilators are medications that open (dilate) blood vessels. They affect the smooth muscles in the walls of the arteries and veins, preventing them from tightening and narrowing the blood vessel walls. As a result, blood pressure is reduced, as blood flows more easily through the vessels and the heart doesn’t have to pump as hard. As hypertension can damage the heart and arteries, cannabidiol as natural medicine is a welcome addition in assisting smooth blood flow.
But CBD doesn’t work in just one way to potentially lower BP, it’s also able to act via multiple, indirect ways. The following factors can all contribute to elevated blood pressure:
Studies suggest that CBD can help manage and alleviate the symptoms of both stress and anxiety, resulting in improved sleep patterns. Being better rested can heighten clarity and focus. This combination of factors all work hand in hand to help balance blood pressure levels.
Finally, one of CBD’s most outstanding medicinal effects is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Since inflammation can trigger high BP, adding CBD to your daily regime is a bonus and a no-brainer.
In a comprehensive update on the side effects and safety of CBD, the National Institute of Health tested daily doses of up to 300mg of CBD capsules consistently for a period of six months. They found that the CBD supplements could be used safely. Even extreme daily dosages of up to 1500mg have repeatedly proven to be well tolerated by humans. In addition, sublingual dosages of 2,5mg of CBD for two weeks was also declared safe.
In addition to lifestyle and dietary changes, like eating healthier and exercising regularly, CBD has proven to assist in the reduction of blood pressure by acting as a natural vasodilator, as well as reducing stress and anxiety levels, assisting with better sleep patterns, and reducing inflammation.
Dealing with a medical condition is challenging enough, without adding any further toxic chemical burden to the body. It’s vital to always source medical cannabis products from reputable sources. Find out exactly what to look for when sourcing a product in Cannabis Oil or simply contact us below for more information on starting your CBD oil journey.
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