Which CBD for hypertension?

High blood pressure is characterized by an increase in blood pressure. This condition affects a very large portion of the world's population. According to the WHO, high blood pressure kills about 9 million people worldwide each year. Various studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) may help reduce high blood pressure. So, among the different forms of CBD available on the market, which CBD for high blood pressure?

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, or elevated blood pressure, is a common condition characterized by excessive pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. When blood pressure is high, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This can lead to damage to the arteries and other organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys.

High blood pressure can significantly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, this condition can cause heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. It is therefore important to measure your blood pressure regularly and keep it under control by adopting healthy lifestyle changes and/or following medical treatment if necessary.

The causes of high blood pressure

There are many potential causes of high blood pressure. Among the most common factors, we can notably mention:

• Age: Blood pressure generally increases with age, as the arteries lose their elasticity and can harden.
• Family history: A family history of high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing this condition.
• Lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as excessive salt consumption, an unbalanced diet, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol and tobacco consumption can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
• Certain diseases: Certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, sleep apnea, kidney disease, and endocrine disorders can also increase the risk of high blood pressure.
• Stress : Chronic stress can increase blood pressure in some individuals.
• Environmental factors: environmental factors such as air pollution, noise, and lack of access to green spaces can also play a role in the development of high blood pressure.

However, the cause of high blood pressure may remain unknown. This is then referred to as essential hypertension. In this case, treatment mainly consists of controlling blood pressure and reducing associated risks by adopting a healthy lifestyle and/or taking medication.

The main symptoms of high blood pressure

High blood pressure is often considered a "silent killer." Indeed, it may present no visible symptoms. However, in some cases, untreated or poorly controlled high blood pressure can lead to symptoms such as:

• Headaches: headaches may occur, particularly in the morning, and can be severe and prolonged;
• Dizziness: lightheadedness, dizziness, and a feeling of faintness may occur;
• Vision problems: visual disturbances such as blurred vision or spots in the visual field may occur;
• Fatigue and drowsiness: increased fatigue and drowsiness may be felt;
• Shortness of breath: difficulty breathing and shortness of breath may occur, especially during physical activities;
• Palpitations: heart palpitations, irregular or rapid heartbeats may occur;

Nevertheless, it is important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other health problems. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you experience similar symptoms. It is therefore recommended to measure your blood pressure regularly to monitor your cardiovascular health.

How does CBD work against high blood pressure?

CBD acts in the body by binding to cannabinoid receptors. The substance derived from hemp notably attaches to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This element regulates various bodily functions such as mood, emotions, pain, etc. Several animal studies have demonstrated that by intervening at the level of the ECS, CBD could reduce blood pressure, notably by helping to:

• reduce anxiety and stress;
• dilate blood vessels;
• calm the heart;
• combat the inflammation responsible for the hardening of arteries;
• exert antioxidant actions;
• prevent the calcification of arteries.

A study by 2017 published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation examined the effects of CBD in rats suffering from high blood pressure. The results highlighted the potential of cannabidiol to reduce systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure. Studies in humans are needed to confirm these results.

Furthermore, observations and experiments conducted by teams of specialists at the Universities of Oxford and Nottingham allowed the specialists to conclude that CBD could be a promising treatment for high blood pressure. Indeed, this research established that participants who took CBD had lower blood pressure before and after a stressful episode. The experts therefore concluded that cannabidiol could help lower blood pressure at rest and help reduce blood pressure and heart rate during stress.

Although initial research suggests that CBD, it is important to note that the evidence is still limited and that additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness and appropriate dose of CBD for treating high blood pressure.

Can you take CBD with medication to treat high blood pressure?

CBD can interact with certain medications for high blood pressure. This is notably the case with ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. CBD can notably slow down the breakdown of medications in the body. This then prolongs and intensifies the effects of the products.

It is therefore absolutely recommended to consult your primary care physician before starting to use CBD to treat high blood pressure.

Which form of CBD for high blood pressure?

Cannabidiol is sold in different forms at specialized retailers. CBD oil, infusions, and capsules are particularly suitable for high blood pressure.

CBD oil for high blood pressure

There are different types of CBD oil available on the market for legal CBD in France. Notably, we distinguish between CBD oils:

• Full Spectrum: containing CBD as well as all the other active components of hemp including terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids. This type of CBD oil contains THC at a regulated level, below 0,2%;
• Broad Spectrum: composed of all the terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids present in the composition of hemp, but without THC;
• Isolate: this is a CBD oil base enriched with CBD molecules, without other additional ingredients.

Depending on the entourage effect, the actions of CBD are optimized by the other components of cannabis. Thus, Full Spectrum CBD oil is the most suitable for making the most of the effects of cannabidiol against high blood pressure.

Furthermore, the oils can display varying CBD concentrations between 5% and 40%. The percentage of cannabidiol significantly influences the dosage of the product when treating high blood pressure.

CBD infusions for treating high blood pressure

CBD infusions are formulated with extracts of the hemp plant. A distinction is made between herbal teas made with CBD flowers or fruits and teas produced with cannabidiol leaves. The cannabis extracts are generally dried and then sold in airtight packages.

You must prepare your own hot CBD drink before administration. To do so, you need to dilute the hemp extract in boiling water and fat (oil, butter, milk, etc.).

Consuming CBD infusions allows you to benefit from the effects of cannabidiol against arterial hypertension.

CBD Capsules for High Blood Pressure

These capsules containing CBD powder are easy to dose and take on a daily basis. You must swallow the number of capsules corresponding to the dosage needed to treat high blood pressure with a large glass of water.

Furthermore, it is essential to make sure that the CBD product you are using is of good quality and that it is manufactured by a reputable and reliable company.