Approximately 1.28 billion adults between the ages of 30 and 79 are affected by hypertension. While lifestyle modifications and medications serve as strategies to control blood pressure, they may not always be effective.
Research indicates that the plant-based cannabinoid THC and the endocannabinoid anandamide can help reduce blood pressure.
Discover how cannabis combined with anandamide can aid in managing blood pressure. To achieve a significant reduction in blood pressure, consider visiting Cannalyft Canada to buy Indica flower 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 a Mind-Body Medicine for Hypertension
- Manage Your Blood Pressure with This Selection
- Buy Indica Cannabis Online to Manage Hypertension
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways:
- Anandamide and THC from cannabis Indica strains may assist in lowering blood pressure by promoting vasodilation.
- Inhaling THC results in a considerable decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with a reduction in intraocular (eye) pressure.
- Indica flowers may help alleviate stress and anxiety, which can contribute to heightened blood pressure.
Overview of Hypertension
A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicates hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. If not addressed, hypertension can worsen over time. It occurs when the pressure exerted by blood against arterial walls remains consistently elevated, necessitating the heart to pump blood more forcefully.
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers. The first, the systolic number, reflects pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats. The second, the diastolic number, indicates pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest.
Healthcare professionals 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 many years. Buildup of plaque raises the risk of high blood pressure.
- Secondary hypertension: Emerges more suddenly than primary hypertension and may be linked to an underlying condition.
Treatment
Modifying lifestyle choices can assist in managing high blood pressure. Your healthcare provider may suggest lifestyle adjustments.
- Adopting a heart-healthy diet low in salt
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Aiming for 9 hours of sleep each night
- Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Avoiding smoking
In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not suffice for treating high blood pressure. If ineffective, your provider may recommend medications to help lower your blood pressure.
The type of medication used for hypertension depends on your health status and the severity of your blood pressure. Often, using two or more blood pressure medications is more effective than a single drug.
Current scientific research is investigating more natural methods for managing hypertension, with cannabis emerging as a key player due to its effects on the endocannabinoid system and anandamide levels.
What are Anandamide and the Endocannabinoid System?
Endocannabinoids, also known as endogenous cannabinoids, are substances produced by your body similar to cannabinoids. Among these, anandamide (AEA) is one of the two main endocannabinoids identified.
Anandamide is crucial for regulating various bodily functions such as movement, memory, appetite, and pain perception. The body produces AEA on demand, triggering nervous responses via the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate sleep and mood, consisting of lipid-based neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors.
How It Works?
When the body is out of balance, it releases endocannabinoids like anandamide. This activates CB1 and CB2 receptors, integral components of the endocannabinoid system.
CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys, while CB2 receptors are found in peripheral tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and immune system.
Anandamide plays a vital role in restoring the body’s balance by interacting with these receptors.
How Cannabis and Anandamide Lower Hypertension
Research has explored the effects of anandamide, the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2, and plant-derived THC on hypertension. Findings indicate that these cannabinoids reduce blood pressure by promoting vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels).
Anandamide and THC bind similarly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, while synthetic WIN55,212-2 tends to favor CB2 over CB1 receptors. Studies suggest both receptor types are important for triggering vasodilation.
Sativa and Indica strains contain cannabinoids that interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Relevant Research Findings
Studies conducted in Nottingham and Washington, DC, have shown that THC and anandamide work together to lower blood pressure.
Indica Cannabis Strains as a Mind-Body Medicine for Hypertension
Research from Atlanta, Texas, and Harvard highlights a strong connection between psychological factors and hypertension development. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, impatience, and hostility may increase the likelihood of high blood pressure over time.
Studies from the University of Texas indicate that individuals with a positive self-image and feelings of equality are less prone to hypertension.
Harvard University research also suggests that higher curiosity and hopefulness levels reduce hypertension risk. These findings emphasize the psychological elements that enhance cardiovascular health and mitigate hypertension.
Cannabis Flower for Managing Potential Predictors of Hypertension
Cannabis may serve as a treatment for anxiety and depression. Many patients cite these conditions as reasons for seeking cannabis therapy. Some opt for cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceuticals, with 16% substituting benzodiazepines and 12% replacing antidepressants.
93.5% of users tracking symptoms reported decreased anxiety levels following cannabis intake. Another study found that 71.8% reduced their prescription anxiety medications.
Bulk cannabis can also assist with insomnia and chronic pain, thereby enhancing overall well-being and lowering blood pressure.
Manage Your Blood Pressure with This Selection
Interested in managing your blood pressure with the calming effects of Indica? Online dispensaries provide a range of strains that may help lower your blood pressure.
Buy Indica Cannabis Online to Manage Hypertension
Research indicates that Indica cannabis strains may play a role in managing hypertension by influencing anandamide levels. While standard treatments focus on pharmaceuticals, alternative options like an Indica strain should be explored. This alternative may have fewer side effects than traditional medications. Maintain your blood pressure with Cannalyft Canada’s diverse selection of cannabis strains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does THC interact with the ECS?
THC is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that produces psychoactive effects. Once in the body, THC interacts with the ECS by binding to receptors, similar to how endocannabinoids operate. Its potency arises from its ability to attach to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
This explains THC’s strong impact—consider it a potent version of anandamide. Unlike anandamide, which is broken down relatively quickly, THC is more challenging for enzymes to degrade, resulting in prolonged effects compared to the fleeting effects of anandamide.
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 treatments. Consult your doctor regarding the appropriate dosage and timing for cannabis use.
Can I use Sativa plants to manage hypertension?
Yes, Sativa strains can help regulate blood pressure as they interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Indica and Indica-dominant strains have a lower THC-to-CBD ratio, which promotes CB2 receptor activation beneficial for heart health. The anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects of CB2 receptor activation can counterbalance some actions of the CB1 receptor.
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