How CBD Can Possibly Manage High Blood Pressure

Elevated blood pressure — or hypertension — affects around 45% of the adult American populatio, and is the number-two reason why people take prescription drugs according to Health Grades’ top 50 list. It makes sense, then, that many people might be wondering if CBD could offer a natural alternative for managing high blood pressure effectively.

Nothing’s Set in Stone

Until now, research exploring the “can CBD help blood pressure” issue has been extremely varied. Some have explored the effects of smoked cannabis, the position of the user while smoking cannabis, explored THC only, or tested only the blood pressure effects in animals.

Because there are so few studies on CBD specifically for managing high blood pressure in humans — and no FDA-approved CBD drugs for hypertension — the evidence is simply not strong enough for doctors to suggest CBD as a treatment option if your blood pressure is high.

A Few Promising Leads

While you might not be able to ditch the meds for a bottle of broad-spectrum CBD just yet, there are a couple of studies that give us clues about how CBD could help with blood pressure and heart health.

The Jadoon et al 2017 Study

A 2017 randomized crossover study examined the effect of CBD or placebo on the blood pressure of nine healthy males. This study showed that CBD could be helpful for managing high blood pressure in the context of cold stress and isometric exercise.

A 2005 Research Roundup

An earlier author’s manuscript also described that cannabinoids could be helpful for managing high blood pressure based on research performed since the 1970s. The author referenced the protective role of endocannabinoids in myocardial ischemia, a blockage of a coronary artery that can lead to a heart attack.

Can CBD Help Blood Pressure? Other Important Factors to Address

So we know that cannabinoids may be helpful for managing high blood pressure in part, but we still can’t make any clear-cut recommendations. CBD, in particular, looks promising for high blood pressure that comes on after stress or exercise, but no studies as yet have examined its role in helping to maintain healthy blood pressure in the long term.

If you would like to try CBD for high blood pressure, work with a knowledgeable health professional who can monitor your progress over time and increase/decrease your other medications as appropriate. Mixing CBD with certain prescription drugs can be dangerous, and it’s generally best to reduce pharmaceutical pills gradually.

Make Smart Lifestyle Choices to Improve Your Blood Pressure

Whether or not you take CBD, it’s essential to make sure you’re also addressing lifestyle factors for managing high blood pressure:

• Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese.
• Get moving with aerobic activities at least 30 minutes each day. Walking, jogging, cycling, and dancing are all great ways to lower high blood pressure.
• Eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and cut out processed and packaged foods. Herbs and spices make a great alternative to large amounts of salt for flavoring.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine and take steps to quit smoking.
• Reduce or eliminate excessive stress through lifestyle changes and wellbeing techniques.
• Monitor your blood pressure closely to check your progress and make adjustments if needed.

Speak with a Medical Professional at Kanavia

If you still have questions about managing high blood pressure or about whether CBD can help blood pressure parameters in your case, the Kanavia team is here for you. We’ve crafted our line of CBD products to complement — not replace — the importance of medical expertise and healthy living. Consult with a Kanavia health care provider to discuss your individual healthcare needs and find the product that’s right for you.