Does CBD Cream Affect Blood Pressure?

A lot has been said about the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol (CBD). This article explains CBD and whether CBD cream can affect blood pressure.

Our lives today revolve around fast-paced work routines and problems such as insomnia, mental illness, blood pressure, and other health problems. Many people associate high blood pressure with heart problems such as stroke, heart attack, and other severe heart-related illnesses. In most cases, a change in blood pressure causes no noticeable symptoms, so many patients hardly realize it. However, healthcare providers recommend regular blood pressure check-ups. If you are struggling with hypertension or know someone who does, CBD cream can be a good catch. CBD has emerged as an excellent alternative to dealing with issues related to high blood pressure. The all-natural cannabinoid contains therapeutic properties that enhance calming effects on the nerves and promote overall well-being.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains several compounds known as cannabinoids. These cannabinoids, such as CBD, are responsible for the widely known therapeutic benefits of cannabis. CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most prevalent compounds of the cannabis plant. They may possess similar properties, but the two compounds differ. THC causes psychoactive effects upon consumption of cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating. Many people prefer CBD products because they can benefit from the therapeutic effects of cannabis without any head-high effects.

CBD is available in various products, such as body lotions, oils, vaporizers, creams, bath bombs, capsules, tinctures, and balms. CBD brands manufacture products with different strengths and concentrations depending on their particular extraction methods. There are three CBD extracts; full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Full spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD are the most common types of CBD. Full-spectrum CBD products contain all the components of cannabis, including THC and terpenes. Broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate entirely THC free. While broad-spectrum CBD has all other components of cannabis except THC, CBD isolate has only CBD. The latter is considered the purest form of CBD with no impurities.

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is a measure of force your blood exerts against the artery walls when your heart pumps blood throughout your body. When your blood pressure rises above average, it is often associated with health issues such as heart disease risks. Low blood pressure is not so common. It is often caused by underlying conditions such as dehydration or heart failure.

Can CBD Cream Work for High Blood Pressure?

There is a lot of information about the potential effects of CBD products in reducing blood pressure. However, some findings are conflicting. Most studies indicate that a single dose of CBD in a healthy person can reduce blood pressure. CBD contains multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. It reduces pro-inflammatory changes related to high glucose in human coronary artery endothelial cells. According to Jadoon, Tan & O'Sullivan (2017), acute administration of CBD reduces high blood pressure, with lower stroke volume and heart rate.

CBD cream can work well for high blood pressure because of its higher absorption rate, thus producing more significant effects. The following are ways in which CBD can help with blood pressure;

CBD Reduces Stress-induced Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is caused by accumulated stress in the body, which may result from excessive muscle strain. Some researchers suggest that CBD contains stress-relieving properties that reduce stress-induced blood pressure changes.  Linares et al. (2018) investigated the effects of CBD, administered in different doses, on anxiety levels caused by public speaking. The results from this study indicated the medium dose (300 mg) of CBD reduced anxiety during speech. Anxiety is an indication of a stress response. Therefore, this study indirectly indicates that CBD may help reduce stress-induced blood pressure. It also serves as a reference point for prescribing CBD and high blood pressure dosage guidelines. Nevertheless, not everyone responds well to CBD treatment. It is always recommended that you consult with your doctor in case of allergies or intolerance to other ingredients found in CBD creams.

CBD Reduces Inflammation

CBD contains anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce the effects of inflammation associated with heart problems. Inflammation is among the significant causes of pain and other health issues, blood pressure included. Healthcare providers may prescribe CBD medication to reduce inflammation which also helps to reduce high blood pressure.

CBD as a Vasodilator

Stressors can also affect blood pressure. For example, a cold environment and physical activities, such as exercises, can cause a vivid increase in blood pressure. Jadoon, Tan & O'Sullivan (2017) indicated that a single dose of CBD reduces blood pressure in healthy male participants. In this study, the participants were subjected to cold and exercise stressors. Although participants who took CBD treatment still experienced increased blood pressure, it was relatively lower than the placebo group. The study concluded that CBD might be effective for stress management by reducing the body's reaction to different stressors and lowering the risk of side effects caused by high blood pressure.

CBD Reduces Heart Rate

Kim et al. (2018) explained that the heart rate increases whenever the body gets exposed to environmental stressors. Consequently, an increase in heart rate will also increase blood pressure. CBD has shown promise as a potential compound to reduce heart rate before stress. According to Cui et al. (2019), rats were subjected to stressful situations that increased their heart rate and blood pressure. The results showed that a single dose of CBD reduced their heart rate and blood pressure. While more human studies need to be conducted to support this claim, CBD may be potentially effective in lowering heart rate under stress. Several pharmaceutical drugs are designed to control heart rate but may cause severe side effects. CBD is a natural substance that may stand out as an effective alternative to controlling heart rate.

Conclusion

Blood pressure changes are hard to notice until it gets serious. Medical experts have developed dozens of pharmaceutical drugs to help with blood pressure changes. However, these medications might cause severe side effects and worsen your health. Cannabidiol is an excellent option to manage high blood pressure more naturally. Information about the potential effects of CBD to impact blood pressure is limited. Most studies indicate that CBD lowers high blood and increases heart rate before stress. CBD may work well for high blood pressure. However, you should consult your doctor before trying any CBD product for treatment.

References

Cui, C., Xu, P., Li, G., Qiao, Y., Han, W., Geng, C., ... & Jiang, P. (2019). Vitamin D receptor activation regulates microglia polarization and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats and angiotensin II-exposed microglial cells: role of renin-angiotensin system. Redox biology, 26, 101295. Resstel, L. B., Tavares, R. F., Lisboa, S. F., Joca, S. R., Corrêa, F. M., & Guimarães, F. S. (2009). 5-HT1A receptors are involved in the cannabidiol-induced attenuation of behavioral and cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats. British Journal of Pharmacology, 156(1), 181.

Jadoon, K. A., Tan, G. D., & O'Sullivan, S. E. (2017). A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI insight, 2(12).

Kim, H. G., Cheon, E. J., Bai, D. S., Lee, Y. H., & Koo, B. H. (2018). Stress and heart rate variability: A meta-analysis and review of the literature. Psychiatry investigation, 15(3), 235.

Linares, I. M., Zuardi, A. W., Pereira, L. C., Queiroz, R. H., Mechoulam, R., Guimarães, F. S., & Crippa, J. A. (2018). Cannabidiol presents an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in a simulated public speaking test. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 41, 9-14.