The Connection Between Marijuana And Blood Pressure
While research is continuing to be done on the long-term effects of marijuana, researchers have shown an indirect connection between marijuana and blood pressure. This connection is sometimes evident through some of the habits that develop from chronic marijuana use. Those who use marijuana tend to have a highly increased appetite. This can end up being an impulsive habit of junk food . Unhealthy food habits can cause high blood pressure in the long term.
Its important to understand the risks of using marijuana on a frequent basis. Constant marijuana use can increase your chances of future cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure. If a person already has high blood pressure, it can be risky to continue using marijuana. While the connection between marijuana and blood pressure continues to be explored, the impact may be unpredictable. Its important to consult with a doctor to make sure it is safe for use.
What Is High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a condition where the force of blood pressing against artery walls is too high. In general, high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or higher.
Many people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms, which is why the condition is often referred to as a silent killer. Whether symptoms are present or not, high blood pressure significantly increases your risk of future medical conditions.
What Is High Blood Pressure Or Hypertension
Hypertension is just a different title for high blood pressure. It raises the pressure of blood in the arteries and decreases the blood flow. Arteries are useful to carry blood from the heart across the body. Hypertension causes the blood to press against course walls. High blood pressure takes years to develop, and thus described as a silent killer.
If the pressure is high enough that reduces blood flow, this may cause serious medical problems, including coronary artery disease. If high blood pressure is left untreated, high blood pressure can also prompt stroke, hypertensive coronary illness, kidney disease, and aortic aneurysm.
The blood pressure must be under a systolic value of 140 mmHg and under a diastolic value of 90 mmHg to consider it normal. However, lifestyle and dietary changes can cause high blood pressure and the risk of complications much of the time. If you suffer from high blood pressure, you can find pharmaceutical drugs like Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers to lower blood pressure. Beta-blockers work by preventing the effects of adrenaline .
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The Problem With Assessing Impact
In theory, it shouldnt be that difficult to assess the impact of marijuana use. In reality, though, its actually difficult to untangle.
For one thing, marijuana is rarely used in isolation. Generally, tobacco, alcohol or both are involved. And while the amount smoked is less with marijuana, experience has shown that smoking marijuana can make it harder to quit smoking tobacco. In reality, most people use the two together, thus, as Dr. Reid punned, clouding the issue.
Significant numbers of individuals who smoke lots of marijuana daily come to us because they want to stop smoking, said Dr. Pipe. But for heavy marijuana smokers mixing it with tobacco, the likelihood of quitting is much less.
Another problem relates to dose control. There are no standards for the production of marijuana and the amount of THC it contains. The problem becomes more acute when marijuana is eaten, said Dr. Pipe. People who eat marijuana may not feel the effect as quickly as those who smoke it, leading them to use more.
What Effect Does Cbd Have On The Heart Rate
Based on the same study referenced above, there is evidence that CBD may have an effect on heat rate. In particular, the study demonstrated that individuals who were administered CBD experienced a +10bpm increase in their heart rate.
A 2009 study, on the other hand, which was carried out on a pack of rats, showed that in stressful situations, a dose of CBD for blood pressure has the potential to reduce the heart rate in mammals.
In a subsequent study in 2017, individuals who were subjected to stressful stimuli were administered CBD. Compared to individuals who were given a placebo, medical marijuana had an effect on lowering their heart rate.
Again, further research will be required to support these findings and inform doctors on how to treat patients with heart conditions using CBD.
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How Does Cannabis Affect High Blood Pressure
Because elevated blood pressure levels are typically inconsistent with good health, it is vital to understand how cannabis affects these levels. Research indicates that following cannabis consumption, users will experience a low to moderate increase in blood pressure and heart rate, with a subsequent decrease in blood pressure . Elevated heart rate and blood pressure reach their highest point approximately 15 minutes after consumption.
After repeated use, however, the user may develop a tolerance to cannabis. This tolerance can cause the body to skip elevated blood pressure altogether. Both anecdotally and in research studies, cannabis is advantageous for hypertension management.
These effects on blood pressure are well understood in medical circles.
However, as is the case with many aspects of cannabis use, research studies that go much further are sparse. Therefore, it is not fully understood the long-term adverse effects conversely, any positive effects are not thoroughly understood.
Most research regarding high blood pressure that does exist is generalized, zeroing in on THC while neglecting the study of the many other cannabinoids. It stands to reason that the psychoactive cannabinoid THC would cause a different reaction than the non-intoxicating cannabinoid CBD. Studies typically do not differentiate results based on the method of administration, making specific findings difficult.
What The Research Tells Us
A 2014 review article in the New England Journal of Medicine summarized what is known about the effects of marijuana on all aspects of health. The authors found that marijuana use has been associated with vascular conditions that increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, although the mechanisms by which that happens arent clear. The article also noted that the risk is mainly associated with immediate use of marijuana and isnt necessarily cumulative.
There is some epidemiological evidence that marijuana use in young men, in particular, is associated with an increased risk of heart attack within an hour of use, said Dr. Reid, whereas the risk in young women is not increased to the same degree.
Another article, from 2013 in the American Heart Journal, found that habitual marijuana use before a heart attack was associated with a higher mortality rate over the next 18 years, although the difference wasnt statistically significant.
Both Drs. Pipe and Reid expect increased interest in research around marijuana use. They also both said that, based on what evidence there is, as well as common sense, trying this newly legal drug should be approached with caution and that, if you must, then dont smoke it.
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What Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure Can Medical Marijuana Treat
When you have elevated blood pressure, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath and chest pain
Hypertension can also lead to anxiety, stress and depression. Certain high blood pressure medications can have side effects marijuana can help with as well, such as muscle cramps, sleep disturbances and tremors. Cannabis can also help to reduce nausea.
What Are The Cardiovascular Effects Of Cannabis
Another frequently asked question about cannabis and cardiovascular health is: can weed cause a heart attack?
First, let’s again distinguish between the cannabinoids THC and CBD. For example, CBD oils containing trace levels of THC may have very different effects than smoking a high-THC strain of marijuana. Various studies have indicated that THC may have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health, whereas CBD could be helpful to the heart.
Goldstein added, “CBD does not appear to have the same risks for the heart as THC and in fact, appears to be somewhat cardioprotective.” To support this assertion, Goldstein cited a 2010 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in which researchers concluded that CBD has therapeutic potential in treating complications of diabetes, as well as some cardiovascular disorders. Most notably, CBD could reduce inflammation, a condition that can ultimately damage the blood vessels, arteries, and vital organs. So, if you apply CBD oil to your skin or swallow a few tablespoons, the impact could differ greatly than if you smoked a blunt.
To this point, there is some research that suggests smoking THC could directly or indirectly lead to a heart attack. One 2019 study titled “The Cardiovascular Effects of Marijuana: Are the Potential Adverse Effects Worth the High?” and published in the Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association showed that some people experienced a heart attack within an hour of smoking cannabis.
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Chronic Effects: Marijuana And Blood Pressure
Smoking marijuana carries many of the same cardiovascular health hazards as smoking tobacco. A new study, published in the American Journal of Health Behaviour, analyzed data from the 2005-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.
In total, 10,709 American adults were included in the retrospective study. Researchers defined marijuana use as never , past , and current . After adjusting for covariables such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use heavy users were reportedly twice as likely to have high blood pressure than never users. However, no significant differences in blood pressure existed between other categories. These results suggest that heavy marijuana use may contribute to the development of hypertension, while occasional use is unlikely to impact blood pressure in the long term.
Medical Marijuana For High Blood Pressure
Over an extended period, it seems that cannabis might help lowering blood pressure. Shortly after exercise, theres a surge in blood pressure and a potential increase in cardiac events. Nevertheless, following that first period, there is a decrease in blood pressure and an overall blood pressure decline with activity. Cannabis works the same way.
Nevertheless, because of the absence of knowledge on the subject, you should take care of the blood pressure. One can also learn what impacts various strains have on your blood pressure.
Research shows that almost 19% of Canadians have hypertension. Research also shows that those that used marijuana day by day and stopped had raised blood pressure. That might be because of withdrawal or increased uneasiness, which plays a move in hypertension, or it could imply that the plant was keeping blood pressure low.
Living a healthy lifestyle can assist with reducing hypertension through the heart and blood vessels. If you dont gain control of your blood pressure, you will have higher chances of cardiovascular failure or stroke, .and other medical problems.
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Whats The Connection Between Marijuana And Blood Pressure
Suffering from high blood pressure can be problematic and dangerous in some cases. There are many different factors that impact a persons blood pressure, one of which is drug use. As one of the most popular drugs used around the world, can indirectly impact a persons blood pressure. Over time, a potential connection has been found between marijuana and blood pressure.
Having high blood pressure can be the cause of serious problems and complications like stroke, heart disease, and heart failure. With the help of healthy habits and exercise, people can manage their blood pressure. When it comes to marijuana and blood pressure, many people dont know the potentially dangerous connection. So does marijuana affect blood pressure? Well be taking a look at this connection and how you or a loved one can get help today!
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Is Pot Linked To Blood Pressure Deaths
Study suggests so, but heart expert questions the finding
HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Aug. 10, 2017 — use may triple your risk of dying from high blood pressure, a new study suggests.
A review of U.S. health survey data found that marijuana users were three times more likely to die from causes related to high blood pressure , said lead researcher Barbara Yankey.
“Prolonged marijuana use may increase the risk of hypertension mortality,” she said. “It’s important that recreational use of marijuana is approached with caution, because we don’t have all the information.”
Yankey is a doctoral student with the Georgia State University School of Public Health in Atlanta.
However, a heart doctor said the study was flawed, mainly because it relied on survey data that failed to answer key questions about the possible link between pot and high blood pressure.
“If there’s any value in it , it’s that it is thought-provoking,” said American Heart Association spokesman Dr. Willie Lawrence. He is an interventional cardiologist in Kansas City, Mo.
“It’s hard to believe they’ve added much to our understanding, other than to suggest there may be some increase in mortality and that mortality may be related to hypertension,” Lawrence said.
For the new study, the researchers tracked more than 1,200 participants in the 2005 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which is part of an ongoing series of surveys conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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The Effects Of Medical Marijuana On The Heart
Cannabis contains both CBD and THC, the latter of which causes the high associated with marijuana. According to some research, the THC in cannabis may cause heart rhythm abnormalities within an hour of being smoked. THC also appears to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system responsible for the bodys fight or flight response. This can cause an elevated heart rate, increased oxygen demand for the heart, a jump in blood pressure while lying down and dysfunction within the walls of the arteries.
By contrast, studies have connected CBD with a lower heart rate and blood pressure, an increase in the arteries ability to open for healthier blood flow and the potential reduction in inflammation, which is linked to atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries.
Cannabis Lowers Blood Pressure In Older Adults Study Finds
A study from last year found the number of Americans age 65 and older who smoke marijuana or enjoy edibles increased 75% from 2015 to 2018. A new study suggests that might be a good thing for some.
A new study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and its affiliated Soroka University Medical Center found that medical cannabis might reduce blood pressure in older adults.
Older adults are the fastest growing group of medical cannabis users, yet evidence on cardiovascular safety for this population is scarce, wrote Dr. Ran Abuhasira of the BGU Faculty of Health Sciences, one of Israels leading medical faculties, and the BGU-Soroka Cannabis Clinical Research Institute. This study is part of our ongoing effort to provide clinical research on the actual physiological effects of cannabis over time.
The researchers studied patients ages 60 and older who had hypertension. The patients were prescribed cannabis, then monitored with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure devices.
The researchers also performed ECGs, blood tests and took body measurements before the patients began their cannabis use and three months afterward.
One reason for the lower BP, the researchers wrote, might be because cannabis eases any pain symptoms they had.
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Medical Marijuana May Be Good For Blood Pressure
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and its affiliated Soroka University Medical Center have discovered that medical cannabis may reduce blood pressure in older adults. The first-of-its-kind study focuses on effect of cannabis on blood pressure, heart rate and metabolic parameters in adults 60 and older with hypertension.
According to Dr. Ran Abuhasira of the BGU Faculty of Health Sciences and the BGU-Soroka Cannabis Clinical Research Institute, older adults are the fastest-growing group of medical cannabis users, but there is scant evidence on cardiovascular safety for this population. This study is part of our ongoing effort to provide clinical research on the actual physiological effects of cannabis over time, Dr. Abuhasira says.
The 26 patients participating in the study had a mean age of 70.42 years and were almost evenly split between male and female. The study evaluated these patients using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, ECG, blood tests and body measurements both before and three months after starting cannabis therapy.
What We Know About Cannabis
Chemicals in cannabis have been linked to higher risk for heart attack, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. But those studies are observational and did not prove that the chemicals were the cause for the increased risk.
One study cited in the AHA statement reported that 6 percent of patients under the age of 50 who had a heart attack used cannabis. It was linked to having worse all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Another study noted a significantly higher chance of having a stroke in cannabis users ages 18 to 44, with even greater odds in those who consumed it more frequently compared to those who did not use cannabis.
Dr. Chip Lavie, a cardiologist at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, said its already known that cannabis can have adverse effects on coagulation, increase acute cardiovascular events, and lead to poor vascular effects.
We still do not have a feel on the impact on occasional users, high dose users, and very chronic users, Lavie told Healthline.
When cannabis is used on a short-term basis in some patients, the benefits may outweigh the risks. Additional dangers with impure products and vaping still exist, though, he noted.
Dr. Muthiah Vaduganathan, a cardiologist at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, pointed out that certain forms of cannabis delivery, such as vaping, can have unique cardiovascular health implications.
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