CBD is a cannabinoid found within cannabis and hemp plants, and its usage was legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill. It has been shown to have many different uses, particularly for the medical community, and research has shown that it has benefits for the heart.
What is Arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is a condition that results in an abnormal heart rhythm; the heart is either beating too fast or too slow, and this condition can either last several years or be a lifelong condition.
Heart arrhythmias are typically treated with medication, but it’s not a treatment that works equally for everyone, and there are often unpleasant side effects associated with them. When an individual is suffering from a heart rate that is too low, they often experience confusion, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, fainting, shortness of breath, and cardiac arrest in extreme cases.
For those whose heart beats too fast, the heart has to work faster and harder, which means it needs more oxygen and nutrients. A higher heart rate can increase the risk of someone suffering a heart attack or stroke.
CBD and the Heart
Heart conditions affect millions of people regularly, and they are also the cause of many deaths. Many individuals have begun turning to CBD products as an alternative to medication.
In early research, the endocannabinoid system ECS was connected to the brain, but now researchers know that the system is present throughout the body and most of its organs. The ECS influences blood pressure, platelet aggregation, heart rate, and inflammatory responses. Because researchers are beginning to understand the ECS better, they now realize CBDs’ potential benefits for heart rate. The ECS can work to activate or deactivate the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). This particular channel has a role in maintaining cardiac function and structure.
It has been shown through studies to be able to alter inflammatory responses of the body, preventing the formation of plaque, and protecting the cardiovascular system.
CBD and Heart Conditions
Through research and studies, recovery CBD has been shown to be effective in managing various heart conditions.
Hypertension
Hypertension is the high blood pressure in arteries, which are important vessels that transport blood from the heart to other areas of the body. If left untreated, hypertension can be dangerous and deadly, and often an individual inflicted with hypertension experiences headaches and unexplained fatigue; however, symptoms can vary.
CBD has shown the potential to aid hypertension by lowering blood pressure. At the recommended dosage of 70 mg or less a day, the blood pressure-lowering potential is mild.
Heart Rate Control
In terms of heart rate, it has a calming effect on the heart and can slow down heart rate, which is beneficial both for those experiencing hypertension and those with arrhythmias that contribute to a faster heart rate.
For individuals who experience a lower heart rate, CBD which is paired with trace amounts of THC can have the opposite effect and provide a stimulating effect. It’s important to consult a physician before trying this out for yourself so that you can be monitored.
Myocardial Infarction
A myocardial infarction is damage that occurs to muscles in the heart due to a loss of blood supply. This can occur due to blockages within the arteries, and those suffering from myocardial infarction often need urgent medical attention.
CBD is not a cure for this heart condition, but it can be used to treat symptoms caused by it, such as inflammation and pain.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a heart condition that has many different symptoms, which can range from moderate to severe. It is the build-up of plaque within arteries, which can cause the arteries to thicken or harden. There are many risk factors associated with atherosclerosis, like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
The dysregulation of the ECS system can increase the risk of developing plaque within the arteries. Incorporating CBD into your routine might help to regulate this system, which may lower the risk of an individual developing atherosclerosis.
Purchasing CBD
When purchasing it, there are a few things to keep in mind and look out for.
Type
It’s important to know the different types of CBD products that are on the market.
- CBD Isolate: An isolate is a type of CBD where only the cannabinoid has been extracted, leaving out all of the other natural plant compounds, like terpenes, flavonoids, and THC.
- Full-Spectrum CBD: This product retains all of the natural cannabis compounds: terpenes, THC, CBD, and flavonoids. This allows the user to experience the entourage effect, which is a phenomenon that occurs when different cannabinoid compounds, flavonoids, and terpenes interact together to enhance effects. THC occurs only in trace amounts, so there are no psychoactive effects.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD: This product is similar to full-spectrum, except that it does not contain any THC and is less likely to produce the entourage effect.
Before purchasing, keep in mind the type of CBD you are looking to purchase so that it is easier for you to make a decision.
Certificate of Analysis
A certificate of analysis is also known as a COA, and it is a report conducted by a third-party lab. CBD brands and producers send samples of their products to these labs to be tested so that both the company and consumer can know the cannabinoid profile within, as well as any chemicals or heavy metals that shouldn’t be there. These reports are typically located on the company’s website but can also be found in the form of a QR code on product packaging, and they are how a company can remain transparent about its products.
Dosage
Ensure that you are checking the dosages included on the packaging of the products, like the CBD sparkling water from DayOne, and follow any dosage recommendations a physician may have given you.
Source
When purchasing, it’s crucial to look at the source that CBD comes from. Cannabis is still illegal, but hemp is not, as long as it meets the requirements set forth by governing bodies. Not only do you want to make sure you are consuming CBD which is legal, but you also want to look for products that are grown organically so that there is less of a risk of residual pesticides and chemicals.
It’s important to follow any instructions or recommendations given by a professional when taking CBD for heart conditions.
