CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can reduce risk factors that can lead to heart disease, such as high blood pressure. It may also reduce the risk of related conditions such as stroke.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for heart disease. Block pressure can rise under stress, poor diet and smoking. In Sweden, one third of the adult population has high block pressure. Diseases that come from high blood pressure include stroke and heart attack. If you have high block pressure you also have the risk of heart failure, kidney disease, dementia and impaired blood circulation in the legs.
In a 2009 study, rats were exposed to a stressful situation that caused blood pressure and heart rate to rise. A dose of CBD lowered both blood pressure and heart rate.
In a 2017 study, healthy human volunteers were exposed to stress and then received a dose of CBD. CBD lowered blood pressure compared to volunteers who received placebo.
Research indicates that the human body’s cannabinoid system produces endocannabinoids that can regulate blood pressure. CBD also has anxiolytic and analgesic effects that help reduce dormant blood pressure and hypertension linked to stress. CBD along with a healthy diet can do wonders for your blood pressure.
Stroke
Heart disease increases the risk of stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks the blood flow to the brain. A blood vessel in the brain can also burst, which can cause a hemorrhagic stroke.
A 2010 study showed that CBD can help protect stroke patients from brain damage and even help recovery by increasing brain function.
Studies from 2017 also concluded that CBD increased cerebral blood flow during a stroke.
The tests are based on animal studies but research is ongoing to ascertain if this also applies to humans.
Reduce arrhythmia
There are studies showing that high doses of CBD may be useful in helping arrhythmia in cardiac patients. An arrhythmia is when your heart beats, whether it is too fast, slow or at the wrong rhythm. Animal studies with CBD have been performed to treat arrhythmia with promising results.
