CBD oil may be of great benefit in the prevention of heart disease. While most of the attention has been focused on its benefits for common issues such as anxiety, pain, and insomnia, CBD also holds promise of helping with heart disease.
Heart disease is a class of cardiovascular disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia (heart rhythm issues). Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia and many other countries.
An estimated 4.2 million Australians (18.3% of the population) were affected by heart disease in 2014-2015, which was responsible for almost 30% (45,392) of deaths in 2015.
There’s growing evidence that CBD can help with heart disease through lowering blood pressure, protecting against atherosclerosis, and other effects. Read on to find out what the research says about CBD’s heart disease benefits.
How Can CBD Help with Heart Disease
Cannabidiol (CBD) can benefit the heart and blood vessels by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which consists of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that synthesize and break down these compounds.
This system helps keep the body in a state of balance called homeostasis by regulating key processes such as appetite, mood, sleep, pain, immunity, and cognitive function.
As a result of its interaction with the ECS, CBD can reduce inflammation, widen blood vessels, reduce oxidative stress, and provide other benefits that can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve the condition’s symptoms.
For example, a 2015 study demonstrated that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can help suppress abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
CBD and Heart Disease Research
Although more human studies are sorely needed, there’s plenty of research demonstrating the benefits of CBD in heart disease.
To begin with, there’s evidence that CBD can reduce elevated blood pressure: one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease. For example, a 2017 study by British researchers reported that CBD lowered blood pressure in healthy individuals after they were subjected to stress.
Similarly, a 2009 animal study examined the effects of CBD on stress-related responses in rats. CBD was shown to reduce elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
Furthermore, CBD may protect against coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis), the buildup of plaque inside arteries. This was demonstrated by a 2007 study where CBD protected human coronary artery cells from developing the disorder.
Meanwhile, a 2007 study in rats looked at the effects of CBD on myocardial ischemia, a condition where the heart does not receive sufficient blood supply. CBD treatment improved inflammation, infarct size, and other markers of heart function.
Another common symptom of heart disease is arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). CBD was shown to improve arrhythmia caused by myocardial ischemia in a 2010 rat study. Furthermore, a 2010 mouse study reported that CBD improved the markers of cardiomyopathy, a heart complication of diabetes.
There’s also evidence that CBD can help with stroke, which occurs when the brain does not receive sufficient blood.
A 2010 review paper concluded that CBD has cerebroprotective effects that can protect against stroke and other forms of brain damage. Furthermore, a 2017 systematic review of multiple studies concluded that CBD can enhance blood flow to the brain during a stroke.
Taken together, these findings suggest that CBD can benefit heart disease patients by reducing blood pressure and protecting against arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues such as cardiomyopathy. As summarized by a 2013 paper, there’s evidence to “support a positive role for CBD treatment in the heart, and in peripheral and cerebral vasculature.”
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil for Heart Disease
Although CBD is not a magic pill and more clinical trials are needed, early research suggests that it offers multiple cardiovascular health benefits that can help people suffering from heart disease. This is great news considering the deadliness and massive societal burden of cardiovascular disease in Australia and other countries.
If you’re interested in trying out cannabidiol to help with heart disease, CBD oil is the ideal choice. CBD oil tinctures are cost-effective, easy to use, and provide greater absorption than capsules and edible products.
Also, it’s best to use a full-spectrum CBD oil because it contains not only CBD but many other beneficial phytochemicals present in hemp, such as minor cannabinoids and terpenes.
