The effects of cannabis on the symptoms of hypertension
With the increasing prevalence of hypertension as states liberalize cannabis laws, people want to know… What are the effects of cannabis on blood pressure? Does it lower blood pressure? The answers depend largely on what you ask or what study you read. Focus on the impact of cannabis on blood pressure
L'hypertension
Hypertension is a chronic disease that increases arterial blood pressure. In addition, high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder than normal. Often inflicting enormous strain on it. This chronic disease is also associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, aortic aneurysm and peripheral arterial disease, and is the most significant risk factor for preventable premature death worldwide. .
One in three adults hypertension, which can lead to heart disease, characterized by heart attack or stroke. It is important to know if cannabis has an effect on blood pressure. Research studies the long-term effects of generally positive and sometimes unfavorable results for animal studies... However these studies do not always transfer in an orderly way to human subjects ...
Short & long term effect
2008 studies suggest that shortly after consumption, occasional users will experience a moderate increase in blood pressure and heart rate, followed by a modest hypotension effect (a decrease in blood pressure). Elevated heart rate and blood pressure occur within 10 to 15 minutes after consumption.
However, users can develop a tolerance to initial effects. Thus, repeated use has been associated with reduced heart rate and blood pressure immediately after consumption. To note that many people report that cannabis helps them maintain healthy blood pressure levels. It is a truth supported by the research.
Posture while drinking can influence blood pressure. Assuming you are sitting or lying on your couch, your blood pressure will rise temporarily immediately after eating. Once you get up suddenly, the blood pressure will let you down. To the point of passing out sometimes, but don't worry, this is unlikely to be fatal to you. On the one hand, if you stand up when you drink, your blood pressure may drop without increasing.
Cannabis & heart attack
UC San Francisco Longitudinal Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) analyzed data from 3 African Americans and Caucasians over a 617-year period to find a causal link between long-term cannabis use and heart risk. This study concludes thatthere is no link between cannabis use and the risk of heart attack (or stroke).
However, one can find a limited number of studies that suggest a link between acute poisoning and the risk of stroke. These results have been questioned by a 2006 report published in the Journal "Forensic Science":
“Despite the drug's extreme popularity, reports of cannabis-related strokes and myocardial infarction are so rare to be reported. "
It should be noted that people may have consumed cannabis in conjunction with alcohol, tobacco or other stimulants, and simultaneously or shortly before the incident. Nevertheless, a Harvard Medical School study concluded that one hour after consuming cannabis (especially in populations at risk). Ainis, the chances of suffering from a heart attack would increase five times.
The risk returns to normal after two hours. Namely that sex carries a comparable increase in risk ...
The link between cannabis and the treatment of high blood pressure
It has long been established that the body's endocannabinoid system plays an important role. Particularly in the regulation of many key physiological functions of the body. Including cardiovascular function.
A growing body of research shows that anandamide (the natural THC produced by the body) relaxes blood vessels. This makes the blood flow more freely. Anandamide thus helps to regulate and reduce blood pressure. This is what a Report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism:
“Endocannabinoids tonically suppress cardiac contractility in hypertension. "-" The optimization of the endocannabinoid system offers original therapeutic strategies in the treatment of hypertension. "
Cannabinoids have been studied for their potential as antihypertensive agents since the 1970s. Indeed, cannabinoid-based drugs have been officially approved to treat hypertension.
However to date far too many anecdotal studies (often done on animals) suggest that regular cannabis use can produce lower blood pressure levels in the long term… But, we continue to develop a better understanding of the role of the system. cannabinoid receptors in cardiovascular regulation.
In addition, we will be able to rapidly identify the therapeutic role of cannabinoids in blood pressure control more quickly. But, we lack rigorous studies on humans ... This in order to identify with more confidence the therapeutic role of cannabinoids in the control of blood pressure. Logically, cannabis high in THC (psychoactive) would give different results than weed high in CBD (non-psychoactive).
