High blood pressure has continued to be one of the most problematic health issues faced by the world at large. According to the World Health Organization, an estimate of 1.13 billion people around the world suffers from high this ailment. High blood pressure also known as hypertension is a medical condition where the force of blood pushing against the wall of the arteries is constantly high. Over time, this can increase the chances of having a stroke or a heart attack. This ailment may arise as a result of age, overweight, excessive intake of alcohol, eating too much salt, stress. Often at times, it can also arise as a result of other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney problem.
According to studies, cannabidiol is said to hold properties that help lower blood pressure. Also known as CBD, cannabidiol is a non- psychoactive compound extracted from cannabis plant. In recent years, CBD has been infused into drinks, food and even cosmetics. Cbd is gradually taking over the market.
Effect of CBD on High Blood Pressure.
Based on clinical studies, CBD has been found to affect blood pressure in several ways. Below are the various ways CBD affects blood pressure.
- Effect base on its anti-inflammatory properties.
Inflammation is a factor that can give rise to high blood pressure. When a person suffers inflammation, the artery’s walls become swollen, thus resulting in tighten the blood passages. Cbd reduces blood pressure caused by inflammation by regulating the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) causing it to produce prostanoid compound which signals the blood vessels to dilate.
- Effect on the arteries.
CBD is said to affect the arteries in several ways. One such way is by activating the CB1 receptors in the endothelium, causing a release of nitric oxide, which in turn reduces blood pressure. It can work outside of the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting calcium channel influx in the muscular layer of the arteries, bringing about relaxation and dilation of blood vessels.
Cardiac contractility is a form of hypertension that arises as a result of excessive work. This causes the heart to pump blood at a faster rate. Cbd reduces this by taking up the vital heart neurotransmitters of the cardiovascular system.
- Effect on the central and peripheral nervous system.
Stress is one factor that can give rise to high blood pressure. The central and peripheral systems are found in the brain and spinal cord respectively. Cbd acts on the stress response Centers by;
- Dampening the stress responses in the central nervous system which in turn may prevent the spike in blood pressure.
- Reducing the activities of the sympathetic nervous system found in the peripheral nervous system.
- Gene modification.
Cdb can reduce blood pressure by activating the PPARy gene. PPARy reduces atherosclerosis, inflammation in endothelial cells, and increases the activities of superoxide dismutase which results in the dilation of arteries.
Conclusion.
Proven by clinical studies CBD does reduce high blood pressure but it depends on the cause, for instance, research shows that in a human trial, CBD did not reduce hypertension caused by anxiety. Unlike other drugs used for the treatment of high blood pressure, CBD does not have any harmful side effects. However, if you consider using CBD as an alternative medication, be sure to consult your doctor.