Approximately 1.28 billion adults between the ages of 30 and 79 experience hypertension. While lifestyle modifications and medication are common treatment methods to control blood pressure, these strategies may not always be enough.
Research indicates that the plant-derived cannabinoid THC and the endocannabinoid anandamide can both assist in reducing blood pressure.
Discover how cannabis combined with Anandamide can help manage blood pressure. For a significant reduction in blood pressure, consider purchasing cannabis online at CannaBudget Canada.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways:
- Overview of Hypertension
- What is Anandamide and the Endocannabinoid System?
- How Cannabis and Anandamide Lower Hypertension
- Indica Cannabis Strains as a Mind-Body Medicine for Hypertension
- Manage Your Blood Pressure with This Selection
- Buy cannabis Online to Manage Hypertension
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways:
- Anandamide and THC from cannabis strains may aid in lowering blood pressure through the promotion of vasodilation.
- Inhaling THC leads to a marked decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with a reduction in intraocular pressure.
- cannabis can alleviate stress and anxiety, which may contribute to elevated blood pressure.
Overview of Hypertension
A blood pressure measurement of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicates hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. If untreated, hypertension can worsen over time. It occurs when the pressure of blood against artery walls remains consistently high, necessitating the heart to pump blood with increased force.
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers. The first, or systolic number, represents the pressure in the blood vessels during heartbeats. The second, or diastolic number, indicates the pressure in the vessels when the heart is resting between beats.
Hypertension is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure readings are ≥140 mmHg and diastolic readings are ≥90 mmHg on two separate occasions.
Types of Hypertension
- Primary hypertension: Develops gradually over many years, with plaque accumulation increasing the risk of high blood pressure.
- Secondary hypertension: Appears more suddenly, often due to an underlying health condition.
Treatment
Modifying your lifestyle can effectively manage high blood pressure. Healthcare providers may recommend various lifestyle changes.
- Adopting a heart-healthy diet with reduced salt intake
- Incorporating regular physical activity
- Aiming for 9 hours of sleep each night
- Maintaining or achieving a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Avoiding smoking
At times, lifestyle adjustments alone may not suffice to treat high blood pressure. If ineffective, your provider might suggest medications to help lower your blood pressure.
The choice of medication for hypertension depends on individual health conditions and the severity of blood pressure. Using two or more medications can often be more effective than using one.
Recent scientific inquiries are exploring natural methods for managing hypertension, with cannabis emerging as a focal point due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system and anandamide.
What is Anandamide and the Endocannabinoid System?
Endocannabinoids, also known as endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules synthesized by the body, similar to cannabinoids but produced internally. Researchers have identified two primary endocannabinoids, one being anandamide (AEA).
Anandamide plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including movement, memory, appetite, and pain perception. The body produces AEA on demand, which activates nervous responses by engaging the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a complex signaling system that helps regulate mood and sleep, consisting of lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors.
How It Works?
When the body faces imbalance, it releases endocannabinoids such as anandamide, activating CB1 and CB2 receptors—critical components of the endocannabinoid system.
CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys, while CB2 receptors are located in peripheral tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and immune system.
Anandamide is vital in restoring the body to homeostasis through interactions with these receptors.
How Cannabis and Anandamide Lower Hypertension
Researchers have examined anandamide, the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2, and plant-derived THC concerning hypertension. Findings show that these cannabinoids lower blood pressure by promoting vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels).
Anandamide and THC bind similarly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, while the synthetic WIN55,212-2 shows a greater affinity for CB2 than CB1 receptors, suggesting both receptor types are involved in triggering vasodilation.
Both Sativa and Indica strains contain cannabinoids that interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Relevant Research Findings
Studies conducted in Nottingham and Washington, DC, revealed that both plant-derived THC and the endocannabinoid anandamide effectively lower blood pressure.
Indica Cannabis Strains as a Mind-Body Medicine for Hypertension
Research from institutions in Atlanta, Texas, and Harvard highlights a clear connection between psychological factors and the onset of hypertension. Feelings of anxiety, depression, impatience, and hostility can serve as predictors for high blood pressure. Over time, these negative emotional states may elevate the risk of hypertension.
Studies from the University of Texas indicate that individuals who foster a positive self-image and feelings of equality are less likely to develop hypertension.
Further research from Harvard University shows that greater curiosity and hopefulness can diminish the likelihood of hypertension. These results underscore the psychological elements that contribute to cardiovascular health and hypertension prevention.
Cannabis Flower for Managing Potential Predictors of Hypertension
Cannabis may offer a solution for anxiety and depression. Many patients cite these conditions as motivation for seeking cannabis treatment. A portion of users reports substituting cannabis for pharmaceuticals, with 16% replacing benzodiazepines and 12% replacing antidepressants.
93.5% of users monitoring their symptoms via a smartphone app indicated reduced anxiety levels following intake. Another study found that 71.8% of participants decreased their prescription anxiety medication.
Bulk cannabis can also assist with insomnia and chronic pain, promoting overall well-being and lowering blood pressure.
Manage Your Blood Pressure with This Selection
Looking to manage your blood pressure with the soothing effects of cannabis? Online dispensaries feature various strains that can help lower your blood pressure.
Buy cannabis Online to Manage Hypertension
Research suggests that Indica cannabis strains may play a role in managing hypertension by influencing levels of anandamide. While traditional treatments often rely on pharmaceuticals, alternative methods like using an Indica strain are worth considering. This alternative approach typically has fewer side effects compared to conventional medications. Maintain your blood pressure with CannaBudget Canada’s selection of cannabis strains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does THC interact with the ECS?
THC is one of the cannabinoids present in cannabis plants, known for its psychoactive effects. Once ingested, THC interacts with the ECS by binding to receptors much like endocannabinoids do. Its potency stems from its ability to bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
This binding explains its significant effects—think of it as a high dose of Anandamide. Unlike Anandamide, which the body can break down relatively quickly, enzymes find THC more challenging to metabolize. Consequently, THC’s effects can persist for several hours, while those of Anandamide are short-lived.
Can I smoke cannabis while taking hypertension medications?
Cannabinoids may interact with various heart disease treatments, including blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering statins, and heart rhythm medications. It’s advisable to consult your doctor regarding appropriate amounts and timing for cannabis use.
Can I use Sativa plants to manage hypertension?
Yes, Sativa strains can be effective for managing blood pressure, as they interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Indicas and Indica-heavy strains have a lower THC-to-CBD ratio, promoting CB2 receptor activation, which is beneficial for heart health. The effects of CB2 receptor activation, including anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis properties, may counteract some of the actions of the CB1 receptor.
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