The impact of cannabis on heart health is complex and may have both positive and negative effects. Some studies have shown a protective effect of marijuana on cardiovascular disease, while others show it can increase the risk.
Smoking cannabis daily is linked to a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease, a common type of heart disease, according to new research. However, consuming it in edible forms does not appear to have the same effect.
Lowers Blood Pressure
One in three Americans suffers from high blood pressure, which is a serious health condition that increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular complications. Luckily, there are several ways to manage hypertension, including diet, exercise, stress management, and limiting alcohol consumption and smoking tobacco.
The impact of cannabis on heart health is still under investigation, but many studies have shown that cannabis can lower blood pressure by relaxing the arteries, which allows blood to flow more freely. It also helps reduce the buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can lead to coronary heart disease and other related conditions.
Researchers have been exploring the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating blood pressure for years. A growing body of research has shown that the system naturally produces chemicals, such as anandamide, which relax the blood vessels and allow blood to flow more easily.
In addition to the endocannabinoid-based effects, researchers have found that consuming cannabis reduces your resting heart rate. This is because the euphoria and relaxation associated with cannabis can help to reduce the tension in your muscles, easing stress.
Older adults with hypertension who smoked or consumed oil extracts of cannabis for three months showed significant reductions in 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure, researchers found. The drop in blood pressure began within 24 hours after ingesting the drug, and it reached its lowest point just three hours later.
This study is the first of its kind to investigate the cardiovascular safety of medical cannabis for older adults with hypertension, according to the authors. They evaluated patients using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiogram, blood tests and body measurements both before they started cannabis therapy and three months after.
The study concluded that heavy use of cannabis was associated with lower BP levels in both genders, with the effect being more significant for women than men. However, this association was not observed in relation to a lifetime joint-years of use (pack year42). This suggests that lifetime use may affect BP levels more than a number of pack-years.
Reduces Inflammation
The impact of cannabis on heart health is significant, as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated 86 million Americans suffer from some form of CVD, most commonly coronary artery disease (CAD). The cost of treating these disorders in 2014 was more than $363 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
One of the most illustrative aspects of cannabis is its ability to reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of many diseases, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease. THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the severity of these conditions. In addition, terpenes, the compounds that give the plant its signature fragrance, help to ward off infection by fighting bacteria.
For those with existing medical conditions, the most effective way to get some of the benefits of cannabis is to consult with a licensed physician. There is a wide variety of cannabis products on the market, from edibles to tinctures and topical creams.
Choosing the right type of cannabis for you depends on your personal needs and lifestyle. Several factors must be considered, including your age, weight and physical condition. You will also need to choose a strain that contains the highest concentration of THC and CBD.
The best time to use cannabis for your medicinal purposes is after the sun goes down and you have already gotten a good night’s sleep. This allows your body to rest and repair itself properly, so you can enjoy all the benefits of the bud you have just consumed.
Lowers Cholesterol
The impact of cannabis on heart health is an important consideration for those with a history of heart disease. The plant contains cannabinoids that can help with a number of health problems and has been shown to reduce the risk of some heart conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.
The type of cannabis you use can have a direct effect on your cholesterol level, too. Sativa versus indica marijuana, for example, can affect the way your body absorbs cholesterol. Sativa plants have high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component in cannabis. Indica plants, on the other hand, have higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which has a non-psychoactive effect.
According to researchers, the CB1 receptor is one of the many receptors your endocannabinoid system uses to regulate your lipid metabolism. The receptor is responsible for reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), which is when your body removes excess cholesterol and delivers it to the liver for disposal. Chronic cannabis use can interfere with RCT, which can cause your cholesterol levels to go up.
This can lead to problems with your heart, such as coronary artery disease, where the arteries become hardened or narrowed from plaque buildup in the lining of the artery walls. It can also increase the chances of a heart attack, which is when your heart suffers an abnormally fast or irregular heartbeat or an obstruction in the flow of blood to the heart.
In a study comparing people who used cannabis to those who didn’t, the researchers found that those who used cannabis had lower triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol. They also had lower blood pressure and had a smaller waist circumference, both of which are associated with cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, they found that CBD can lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. It does this by preventing the intestinal absorption of bile acids, which can lead to a buildup of fat in your body.
In addition, hemp-based CBD can also improve your overall heart health by reducing inflammation in your body and lowering blood pressure. It can also help you manage stress and anxiety.
Reduces Blood Sugar
A recent study found that people who use cannabis have lower levels of fasting insulin. This is good news for those with type 2 diabetes as it can help them better control their blood sugar.
The study also found that people who consume marijuana have a lower risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body can’t produce enough glucose for energy. The condition can occur when people with either type of diabetes don’t take their medications or they eat high-carb foods.
Those who have been diagnosed with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely, especially when they smoke marijuana, because the substance can interfere with how well their medications work. Smoking marijuana can also increase your appetite and may cause you to eat more than usual, which can have an impact on your blood sugar.
It is important to note that not all forms of cannabis are safe for everyone, and not all forms are legal in every state. Check with your doctor or local legal authorities to determine which type of cannabis is safe for you and your needs.
Some research has shown that marijuana can increase your heart rate and make it pump harder, which can increase your chances of having a heart attack. However, this effect is only temporary and disappears after the drug has been expelled from your body.
CBD, the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. It can also boost metabolism and increase the body’s production of insulin.
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can cause arrhythmias and even trigger a heart attack in some people. It also can cause a decrease in oxygen supply to the heart.
Other drugs that are used to treat heart disease can have serious side effects, including muscle pain and damage, liver injury, nerve pain, and an increased chance of diabetes. But there are alternatives to many of these drugs, including cannabinoids like CBD.
While not all studies have shown a link between cannabis and heart health, there is an ongoing need for more research to understand the impact of this drug on cardiovascular conditions. This is particularly important since many of the health risks associated with this drug are similar to those associated with smoking tobacco, said Vaduganathan.
