The Use of CBD for Heart Diseases in Older Adults
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, CBD may be able to reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure. It might be able to lower the risk of associated conditions like stroke.
Heart diseases are highly prevalent and fatal among the elderly. This prevalence has pushed researchers to explore multiple and more natural ways to control and prevent them. They have turned their attention to CBD due to its well-known effectiveness and divergent medicinal value. Although research is still in its early stages, a lot has been established on the positive effects of CBD in preventing and containing heart diseases.
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to act on crucial contributors to heart disease like high blood pressure and stroke. It's good to note that unlike the widely known cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive; thus, it won't make you high. Here's a deeper look into the effects of CBD on heart disease and how it can help manage the various causes of heart disease.
Lowers High Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
High blood pressure is one of the key contributors to heart diseases such as congestive heart failure. It complicates heart circulation in the body, forcing the heart to overwork when pumping blood. Research indicates that even a small dose of CBD can significantly lower stress-triggered blood pressure. It activates CB1 receptors in the brain, which can increase anxiety when blocked—thus reducing stress levels.
It also increases serotonin levels, promoting a general feeling of well-being and stabilizing your mood. In addition, CBD and THC are vasodilators. They widen blood vessels, enhancing blood circulation and lowering blood pressure buildup. Find out more on how CBD regulates heart rate on this page and how it can help with heart disease symptoms.
Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) stored in the body. For our bodies to function correctly, there should be a balance between the good cholesterol, known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and the bad cholesterol—low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Factors like stress, health complications, and lifestyle can interfere with this balance and cause the accumulation of bad cholesterol.
This LDL buildup along the blood vessels' lining leads to a blockage that can cause a stroke or heart attack. CBD has properties that relax arterial walls, preventing bad cholesterol accumulation and reducing blood pressure. It also reduces insulin resistance, which prevents glucose absorption, thereby increasing cholesterol levels.
Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight helps keep the heart in optimal health and operation. Obesity is one of the significant contributors to congestive heart failure. Some research findings have shown that CBD can help maintain a healthy weight by contributing to the browning of white fat cells.
Brown white cells contain more mitochondria than white fat cells, which helps burn calories. This browning, therefore, helps convert the fats in the cells into burnable calories. White blood cells hold fat droplets, which facilitates fat accumulation around the body, causing obesity. In addition, CBD increases metabolism and reduces food intake, enhancing weight loss.
Reduces Vessel Inflammation
The anti-inflammation property of CBD is one of its well-known health benefits. Inflamed vessels strain the heart when pumping blood around the body. It has been linked to various chronic illnesses, including heart disease.
Studies have shown that CBD reduces arterial inflammation, leading to proper blood circulation. It also slows the absorption rate of adenosine (a hormone that reduces inflammatory responses), thus controlling inflammation and enhancing blood flow. The reduced inflammation prevents potential heart failure and stroke.
Acts Against Cardiac Arrhythmias
Cardiac arrhythmia is a heart condition where the heart beats irregularly — too fast or too slow. Several factors can cause it, including:
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High cholesterol levels
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Blood Sugar
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High cortisol levels
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Long-term Stress
The anti-anxiety properties of CBD can help regulate cholesterol, as seen earlier, and reduce stress levels and cortisol. CBD can also combat irregular heartbeat patterns caused by the reduced blood supply to the heart (stroke-induced ischemia).
Moreover, CBD protects against heart diseases caused by cellular damage when exposed to free radical emitters like processed foods. CBD eliminates free radicals and improves the efficiency of other antioxidants in the body, which explains its efficiency in inhibiting cellular damage.
Does CBD Have Side Effects?
Despite CBD's good safety profile, indications may interfere with how the liver metabolizes other medications. It may inhibit the liver from processing other drugs normally, leading to the accumulation of medicines in the body. The increased volumes may lead to liver toxicity which can be fatal.
Therefore, using CBD while following other heart condition treatment medications may reduce the effectiveness of the medicines and cause liver problems. You should exercise caution and consult your doctor before using CBD to ensure its safety.
Can CBD Help Manage Heart Diseases? Final Thoughts
Heart diseases are some of the leading causes of death worldwide, especially among the elderly. Although CBD is not a cure for heart disease, research has shown its effectiveness in managing the symptoms and causes of heart conditions. CBD offers numerous heart disease management benefits, from reducing blood pressure and anxiety to regulating cholesterol levels.
It is, notably, a worthwhile investment to keep most heart diseases off and enhance general body health. Before using any CBD product, consult your doctor for guidance on its suitability to your current condition and the recommended dosage.
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Editor's Note
Aging brings challenges that must be met by you and your family. One of the biggest challenges is future declining health and the consequences of long-term health care. Being prepared for these challenges will make getting older easier for everyone.
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