Approximately 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 are affected by hypertension. While lifestyle modifications and medications serve as treatment methods to manage blood pressure, they may not always be adequate.
Research indicates that the plant-based cannabinoid THC and the endocannabinoid anandamide can both reduce blood pressure.
Continue reading to discover how cannabis along with Anandamide can aid in managing blood pressure. For a significant reduction in blood pressure, consider purchasing cannabis online.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways:
- Overview of Hypertension
- What are Anandamide and the Endocannabinoid System?
- How Cannabis and Anandamide Lower Hypertension
- Indica Cannabis Strains as 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 derived from cannabis may assist in lowering blood pressure through vasodilation.
- Inhaling THC results in a notable decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with a drop in intraocular (eye) pressure.
- cannabis can help alleviate stress and anxiety, factors that may lead to elevated blood pressure.
Overview of Hypertension
A blood pressure reading 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 exerted by blood against artery walls remains consistently high, prompting the heart to exert more force to pump blood.
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers. The first, or systolic number, reflects the pressure in the blood vessels during heartbeats. The second, or diastolic number, indicates the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest.
Doctors diagnose hypertension 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 years. Plaque buildup increases the risk of high blood pressure.
- Secondary hypertension: Emerges more suddenly than primary hypertension and may arise from an underlying condition.
Treatment
Modifying your lifestyle can assist in managing high blood pressure. Your healthcare provider may suggest lifestyle changes.
- Adopting a heart-healthy diet with reduced salt intake
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Ensuring 9 hours of sleep each night
- Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Avoiding smoking
At times, lifestyle changes alone may not suffice to treat high blood pressure. If ineffective, your provider may prescribe medication to lower blood pressure.
The choice of medication for hypertension depends on your health status and the severity of your blood pressure. Using two or more blood pressure medications can be more effective than relying on one.
Current scientific research is investigating more natural methods for managing hypertension, with cannabis gaining attention due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system and anandamide.
What are Anandamide and the Endocannabinoid System?
Endocannabinoids, also referred to as endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules produced by your body. They resemble cannabinoids but are generated internally. Experts have identified two primary endocannabinoids to date, one of which is anandamide (AEA).
Anandamide plays a crucial role in regulating bodily functions, including movement, memory, appetite, and pain perception. The body produces AEA as needed, triggering nervous responses through the activation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate sleep and mood. It comprises endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors.
How It Works?
When the body experiences an imbalance, it releases endogenous cannabinoids like anandamide. This activates CB1 and CB2 receptors, key 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-related tissues.
Anandamide is essential for restoring the body’s homeostasis by interacting with these receptors.
How Cannabis and Anandamide Lower Hypertension
Researchers have explored anandamide, the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2, and plant-derived THC in relation to hypertension. Findings suggest that these cannabinoids lower blood pressure by promoting vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels).
Anandamide and THC bind relatively equally to CB1 and CB2 receptors, while synthetic WIN55,212-2 exhibits a stronger affinity for CB2 than for CB1 receptors. Studies indicate that both CB1 and CB2 receptors play a role in activating vasodilation.
Sativa strains and cannabis contain cannabinoids that engage with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Relevant Research Findings
Both studies conducted in Nottingham and Washington, DC, revealed that the plant-based cannabinoid THC and the endocannabinoid anandamide work together to lower blood pressure.
Indica Cannabis Strains as Mind-Body Medicine for Hypertension
Research from Atlanta, Texas, and Harvard highlights a clear connection between psychological well-being and the onset of hypertension. Negative emotional states such as anxiety, depression, impatience, and hostility may increase the risk of high blood pressure over time.
Studies from the University of Texas indicate that individuals who maintain a positive self-image and feelings of equality are less likely to develop hypertension.
Research from Harvard University further suggests that elevated levels of curiosity and hopefulness may reduce the risk of hypertension. These findings emphasize the psychological elements that promote cardiovascular health and prevent hypertension.
Cannabis Flower for Managing Potential Predictors of Hypertension
Cannabis may serve as a potential treatment for anxiety and depression, with many patients citing these conditions as reasons for seeking cannabis therapy. Some individuals use cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceuticals, with 16% replacing benzodiazepines and 12% substituting antidepressants.
93.5% of users monitoring their symptoms with a smartphone app reported diminished anxiety levels after consumption. Another study found that 71.8% of users reduced their prescription anxiety medication.
Bulk cannabis can also aid in alleviating insomnia and chronic pain, thereby enhancing overall well-being and potentially lowering blood pressure.
Manage Your Blood Pressure with This Selection
Interested in managing your blood pressure with the calming and sedative properties of cannabis? Online dispensaries provide a variety of strains that may help in lowering your blood pressure.
Buy cannabis Online to Manage Hypertension
Research indicates a possible role for cannabis in managing hypertension by affecting anandamide levels. While traditional treatments focus on pharmaceuticals, exploring alternatives like cannabis deserves attention. This option may have fewer side effects than conventional medications. Maintain your blood pressure with the selection of cannabis strains from HighGradeAid Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does THC interact with the ECS?
THC is a cannabinoid present in cannabis plants, known for its psychoactive effects. Upon entering the body, THC interacts with the ECS by binding to receptors, much like endocannabinoids do. Its potency arises from its ability to attach to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
This explains its powerful influence—think of it as a concentrated dose of Anandamide. Unlike Anandamide, which your body can break down quickly, THC poses more difficulty for enzymes to degrade. Consequently, the effects of THC can last for several hours, while Anandamide’s effects are short-lived.
Can I smoke cannabis while taking hypertension medications?
Cannabinoids may interact with various heart disease medications, including blood pressure drugs, cholesterol-lowering statins, and heart rhythm medications. Consult your physician regarding appropriate amounts and timing for cannabis use.
Can I use Sativa plants to manage hypertension?
Yes, Sativa strains can be utilized to manage blood pressure since they interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Indicas and Indica-dominant strains typically have a lower THC-to-CBD ratio, which enhances CB2 receptor activation. This activation supports heart health. The effects of CB2 receptor activation, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties, may counteract some actions of the CB1 receptor.
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