CBD Oil for High Blood Pressure: What the Experts Say & Recommend

by Kat Austin August 09, 2023 9 min read

CBD Oil for High Blood Pressure: What the Experts Say & Recommend - VO Inc

High blood pressure is like that unexpected pop quiz - it sneaks up on you when you least expect it and can have serious consequences. But fear not, because CBD oil might just be the "study buddy" you need to ace the blood pressure game. 

In this article, we're diving into the potential benefits of CBD oil for managing high blood pressure and what research has to say about it. Plus, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about which CBD oil is best for blood pressure. 

Let’s jump in:

Table of Contents
Undertanding High Blood Pressure
What is CBD Oil?
CBD Oil Effects on Blood Pressure
Expert Opinion on Using CBD for High Blood Pressure
Factors to Consider Before Trying CBD Oil
Which CBD Oil is Best for High Blood Pressure?
Conclusion: Is CBD Oil Good for Managing Blood Pressure?

Key Takeaways

  • CBD oil could be your ally in the battle against high blood pressure thanks to potential vasodilation and anti-inflammatory effects. 
  • CBD may interact with some blood pressure medications and may not be right for everyone. 
  • Choosing a high-quality CBD product is the first step to ensuring safety and efficacy. 
A doctor measuring a woman's blood pressure using an arm cuff blood pressure monitor.

Understanding High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels, is consistently too high. Leaving high blood pressure untreated will make you feel unwell and can lead to heart problems and more. Some effects you may feel when your blood pressure is high include:

  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Irritability
  • Tiredness
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nosebleeds
  • Palpitations
  • Feeling of pulsations in the neck

The only way to truly monitor blood pressure is with a blood pressure monitor. High blood pressure needs to be diagnosed by a doctor. 

Causes of High Blood Pressure

It's not just genetics, but also lifestyle choices that can get your blood pressure racing. Stress, lack of exercise, and indulging in that extra slice of pizza all play a role. It's as if your body is having a party, but the neighbors (your arteries) aren't thrilled about the noise. Here are some possible factors that may contribute to high blood pressure:

  • Being overweight
  • Eating too much salt
  • Not eating enough fruit and vegetables
  • Not getting enough exercise
  • drinking too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
  • smoking
  • Having unmanaged stress
  • Being over age 65
  • Having a family history of blood pressure

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is like that soothing cup of herbal tea after a long day - it comes from the cannabis plant, but it won't get you "high." CBD, or cannabidiol, is the cool, calm, and collected cousin of THC

CBD has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, which range from relieving pain and reducing anxiety to promoting better sleep. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various processes like pain, mood, and immune response. 

CBD is commonly extracted from hemp, a variety of cannabis with low THC levels, which is federally legal and widely accessible. It's available in various forms, such as oils, capsules, and creams, offering a versatile option for those seeking potential wellness support. CBD oil offers a concentrated oral dose that’s easy to measure and perfect for therapeutic use. 

A bottle of CBD oil posed on a table surrounded by CBD oil softgels to demonstrate two different dosing methods for CBD oil.

CBD Oil's Effect on Blood Pressure

We mentioned that CBD is known for having a wide range of potential benefits, but we want to focus on its potential benefits for lowering blood pressure. To date, there have been a handful of studies to support interest surrounding CBD for blood pressure management. Here’s what we know:

Current Research Findings

Scientists are the detectives in this mystery, and the clues are pointing towards CBD as a potential blood pressure tamer. Research suggests that CBD might have a calming influence on those temperamental blood vessels.

Certain research studies suggest that CBD products might have the potential to contribute to the reduction of blood pressure. In a study conducted in 2020, it was discovered that CBD could potentially lead to vasodilation in both human and rat arteries. The authors of this study propose that CBD's ability to widen blood vessels could potentially enhance blood flow.

Furthermore, another study indicated that even a single dose of CBD could bring down resting blood pressure levels. However, it's worth noting that this effect seems to diminish after seven days of continuous treatment. The authors of this study also emphasize that further exploration into this area is imperative.

Moreover, a study conducted in 2021 delved into the impact of CBD on individuals dealing with high blood pressure. The results revealed a noticeable decrease in blood pressure levels following three months of consistent CBD usage.

In more recent research from 2023, it was observed that CBD demonstrates the ability to lower blood pressure among patients diagnosed with Grade 1 hypertension. While these findings show promise, it's important to underscore that additional comprehensive research is required to validate these outcomes.

It's crucial to emphasize that individuals should not consider CBD as a substitute for prescribed high blood pressure medications. If a person is considering incorporating CBD into their treatment plan while already taking prescribed medication for high blood pressure, it's absolutely essential to seek guidance from a medical professional. Remember, a doctor's advice should always be sought when contemplating changes to existing treatment regimens.

Mechanisms of Action

When it comes to potentially lowering blood pressure, CBD’s exact mechanism of action is still unknown. Research has indicated that CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory effects may play a role. Moreover, CBD may have vasodilating effects, widening the blood vessels to promote healthy blood flow. 

How long does CBD take to have an effect on blood pressure?

CBD doesn't mess around when it comes to potentially aiding those dealing with high blood pressure. Research indicates it could help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, which is pretty impressive. As for the timing, after taking CBD, you could start noticing changes in your blood pressure within 5 to 30 minutes. However, remember that we're all individuals, so the time frame might vary a bit for you. Just let CBD work its way and keep an eye on the clock.

Factors to Consider Before Trying CBD Oil

Consultation with Healthcare Providers

Always talk to your doctor before you include new supplements in your wellness regimen. Medical advice is key, ensuring that CBD fits your health picture.

Dosage and Administration

The effects of CBD are somewhat dose dependent. Too little or too much won’t give you the desired results. Luckily, finding the right dose just takes a bit of guess and check and following product dosage guidelines. To learn more, you may want to read “CBD Dosing Guide.”

Potential Risks and Side Effects

CBD has the potential to interact with blood pressure medication, altering the concentration of these drugs in the bloodstream. Combining CBD with prescription medication might lead to unintended and hazardous side effects.

It is of utmost importance that individuals only consider using CBD for managing high blood pressure when supervised by a qualified healthcare professional.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions that there could be certain risks associated with the use of CBD products, including:

  • Possible interactions with other medications.
  • The likelihood of drowsiness or sedation, particularly when taken alongside medications for anxiety, stress, or sleep disorders.
  • A potential increase in the risk of diarrhea and loss of appetite.
  • Mood changes, such as feelings of irritability and agitation.
  • The possibility of liver injury.
  • The potential to cause low blood pressure.

An earlier review discovered that the combination of CBD with antihypertensive medications might influence the concentration of either substance in the bloodstream. Therefore, individuals using both CBD and blood pressure medications should make it a priority to inform their doctor about this.

It's essential to note that THC, a key component of cannabis, can lead to a positive result on a drug test.

While exploring CBD's dosages and side effects, it's essential to understand that the FDA discourages the use of CBD products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

The limited research available does not provide sufficient insights into how CBD could impact the development of a fetus. Nonetheless, there's some evidence suggesting that high doses of CBD administered to pregnant test animals could potentially affect the reproductive system of a male fetus. More research is needed to fully understand the potential adverse effects associated with taking CBD during pregnancy. 

Expert Opinion on Using CBD for Blood Pressure Management

CBD's potential impact on blood pressure lacks substantial research, leading doctors to offer cautious opinions. Sunny Intwala, M.D., a cardiologist from Nuvance Health in New York, stresses that until more research emerges, endorsing CBD for blood pressure control remains unsupported.

Dr. Intwala underscores that while CBD's influence on blood pressure is still uncertain, scientific literature substantiates alternate methods for lowering it. These methods encompass consuming heart-healthy foods, engaging in regular exercise, practicing meditation, and, when appropriate, utilizing prescription medications. 

Robert Page II, PharmD, a clinical pharmacy professor at the University of Colorado, acknowledges CBD's potential benefits in other realms, he echoes Dr. Intwala's reservations. According to Dr. Page, the scientific evidence demonstrating CBD's efficacy in blood pressure reduction remains insufficient. 

However, Dr. Page acknowledges the logic behind considering CBD's cardiovascular advantages, hypothesizing that CBD receptors' interaction with immune cells might trigger anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessels.

Chiti Parikh, M.D., executive director of Integrative Health and Wellbeing Center at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, points to studies indicating CBD's potential positive effects on blood pressure. She cites a small study by The American Society for Clinical Investigation, revealing that participants who took CBD experienced lower blood pressure, especially after undergoing a stress test.

Dr. Parikh suggests that CBD's potential blood pressure-lowering mechanism might stem from its anxiety-alleviating properties. By binding to specific receptors in the brain and arteries, CBD could induce relaxation and theoretically reduce blood pressure. However, more extensive research is required to establish this effect conclusively.

Most experts agree that there are associated risks and side effects to be aware of. Dr. Parikh underscores the uncertainty surrounding appropriate CBD dosages and their impact on blood pressure. Furthermore, CBD's potential to interact with other medications raises concerns, particularly for older adults who already take multiple medications daily.

Which CBD Oil is Best for High Blood Pressure? Tips for Choosing Quality CBD Products

Types of CBD Oil

While checking out potential CBD formulas, you’ll quickly come to realize that there are three primary options: full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. 

Full spectrum CBD is a product made from whole-plant hemp extract. This extract material preserves the hemp’s natural state, unlike highly refined isolated CBD products.

So, what's that mean?

It means that full spectrum CBD products will contain high concentrations of CBD, but will also have trace amounts of other plant materials. This usually includes other cannabinoids, like THC, GBG, CBN, and CBDa, as well as a variety of other plant compounds from hemp, like terpenes

Full spectrum products are associated with hemp’s “entourage effect,” or a synergistic effect between cannabinoids that supposedly leads to more diverse and effective benefits. 

Broad Spectrum CBD is similar to full spectrum, except all traces of THC have been removed. It will still contain various other minor cannabinoids and terpenes. 

CBD isolate only contains CBD. It may be a good option for those who are THC sensitive or THC restricted, but it may not offer any entourage effect benefits. 

Importance of Third-Party Testing

A high-quality hemp brand will always provide third-party test results to prove label accuracy.  Independent testing ensures you're getting what you paid for, not a cheap imitation. Be sure to check the lab reports before buying a CBD product. 

Reading Labels

Reading a CBD label is like deciphering a health treasure map. Start by checking the CBD content, usually listed in milligrams (mg), to gauge potency. Next, look for "Full Spectrum" or "Broad Spectrum" for a wider range of beneficial compounds. 

Verify the product's source; hemp-derived CBD is legal and typically preferred. Don't skip the "Third-Party Tested" label, confirming quality and transparency. 

Scan for additional ingredients, especially if you have allergies. Note the serving size and suggested use for proper dosing. Lastly, consult the batch number for traceability. 

Knowing how to properly read a CBD label helps you make an informed choice and ensures you're getting a top-notch product.

Vida Optima Vitality CBD Oil

Conclusion: Is CBD Oil Good for Managing Blood Pressure?

In a world where blood pressure can be a roller coaster, CBD oil is like the steady hand on the safety bar. Remember, experts are giving it a thumbs up, and it's time to put this potential remedy to the test–with the guidance of your doctor, of course. 

And hey, speaking of tests, if you're on the hunt for a reliable CBD oil, consider Vida Optima Full Spectrum CBD Oil. It's like having a trustworthy sidekick in your journey towards healthier blood pressure. Made from top-notch, organically grown hemp, tested by the best third-party experts, and packed with potent CBD goodness plus Vitamin B12, D3, and Zinc - it's like your own secret weapon.

References

  1. “Vasodilatory effects of cannabidiol in human pulmonary and rat small mesenteric arteries: modification by hypertension and the potential pharmacological opportunities” https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/Fulltext/2020/05000/Vasodilatory_effects_of_cannabidiol_in_human.16.aspx
  2. “The effects of acute and sustained cannabidiol dosing for seven days on the haemodynamics in healthy men: A randomised controlled trial” https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcp.14225
  3. “Cannabis is associated with blood pressure reduction in older adults – A 24-hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring study” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0953620521000054
  4. “CBD supplementation reduces arterial blood pressure via modulation of the sympatho-chromaffin system: A substudy from the HYPER-H21-4 trial” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36780785/
  5. “An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
  6. “What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD” https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis

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