When people think about cannabidiol (CBD), many immediately think about marijuana and the effect it has on the body. This includes heart health. While it is true that marijuana contains CBD, CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that produces the high marijuana creates. It’s THC that can increase your heart rate, and not CBD. In fact CBD may have a beneficial effect on your heart health. 

However, it’s essential to note that research in this area is ongoing, and individual responses to CBD can vary. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. 

What Does CBD Do to Your Heart Rate?

The first thing that researchers noticed when looking at the effect of CBD on the body was how it seemed to improve endocannabinoid deficiencies. At first it was believed that endocannabinoids were mainly found in the brain, and helped manage functions in the body such as our response to pain and ability to sleep. Now however, they have come to realize that the endocannabinoid system is present throughout almost every organ, including the heart. 

CBD is a desensitizer of the member 1 (TRPV1) transient receptor channel in the heart, which in layman’s terms means it has a calming effect. It slows down the heart rate, which is the opposite effect that marijuana has. This can be extremely beneficial for people with hypertension, or for those at risk for heart attacks. It also lowers the metabolic rate in the muscles of the heart, which causes it to burn fewer calories. That being said, the effects CBD has on the heart is only mild. 

While there is some information on how CBD affects your heart rate, there haven’t been a lot of studies on it. The ones that have been completed mostly come to the same conclusion however, that it can help keep the heart calm, mildly lowers the heart rate and can reduce heart rate variability. 

Can CBD Support a Healthy Heart?

CBD is a natural compound that can do many things and may help improve your heart’s health, including reducing high blood pressure, as well as decreasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.   

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the leading cause of hypertensive heart disease, and cardiovascular disease, and it can be caused by many things, including stress, anxiety and lack of sleep. When you are under stress your blood pressure can rise, but some studies have shown that CBD can help lessen the sudden spike. 

A study completed in 2017 discovered that CBD may even lower blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals. The study showed that one dose of 600 mg of CBD lowered blood pressure by 6 mmHg while at rest, and 5 mmHg in those under stress. The research was conducted using a placebo as well, and it is worth noting that those given a placebo showed no change in their blood pressure. 

It should be noted that CBD should not be used to replace prescribed blood pressure medications without consulting a doctor.

Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarctions, or heart attacks, are caused by a blockage of blood flow that slows or stops the flow of blood to the heart. It impairs oxygen delivery, and can lead to death or other health problems. They are typically caused by blood clots that block arteries. 

Heart attacks cannot be fully prevented by relying on CBD, but they can help by reducing contributing factors such as stress and inflammation. Other efforts will need to be made however in a patient’s lifestyle, including changes to diet, exercise and eliminating negative habits such as smoking. 

Stroke

A stroke occurs for one of two reasons. The first, called an ischemic stroke, happens when a blood clot prevents blood flow to the brain. The second, a hemorrhagic stroke, happens when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. In both instances the blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the organ. There are many factors that can cause a stroke, including high blood pressure, which CBD may help lower. This may decrease the risk of stroke in the first place. CBD may even help however if the patient does have a stroke.

A study conducted in 2010 discovered that CBD may protect stroke patients from brain damage. It can even help boost brain function and aid in their recovery. Animal studies conducted in 2017 determined that CBD increases cerebral blood flow during a stroke. While it is suspected that the same could hold true for humans, no tests have yet been done to determine if this is indeed the case. 

This research shows that CBD is neuroprotective before, during and after a stroke, which means it can protect you at any point. It can reduce your chances of having a stroke, prevent a stroke from getting worse, and help you not only recover faster, but improve your chances at survival. 

What Is the Recommended CBD Dosage?

Like most medications, figuring out the recommended dose of CBD can depend on many factors. The conditions include your weight, the condition you are treating, the CBD concentration in the item you are taking, and even your body chemistry (which can be affected if you are a regular cannabinoid user). 

Before trying CBD, your first step should involve talking to your doctor. After all, CBD can have side effects and interact with other medications. If your doctor tells you what dosage you should be taking, make sure to stick to it, especially if you are taking other medications.  

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Dosing 101: How to accurately dose CBD

Consider our selection of CBD products that come in various forms and applications, including CBD Oils, CBD Topicals, and CBD Edibles for a comprehensive selection to suit your needs. 

Typically patients find themself starting with small dosages. Somewhere between 20 to 40 mg a day. If it’s not helping, the amount can be increased by 5 mg after a week. If the symptoms are still unbearable after another week, it can be increased by another 5 mg, and so on. Always make sure to document your progress, including if the symptoms are improving.

It’s important to note that 70 mg a day is considered moderate and safe. Even taking CBD at much higher doses such as 100 or even 600 mg is still considered safe, although the patient should be careful because the possibility of adverse effects is also higher.  

Conclusion

CBD has many characteristics that can help improve the overall health of people using it. While there can be some confusion between CBD and THC in marijuana, it needs to be noted that they are very different in composition and have different effects on the body. CBD may lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce the chance of heart attack and stroke. It’s always important to consult your doctor before trying.