Hypertension and high blood pressure is a condition that has trapped close to 75 million people in the United States of America alone. This figure is staggeringly high and makes up a good 33% of the total adult population. The figure around the world tallies to an unbelievable 1.13 billion and this number stands as proof that hypertension and blood pressure isn’t an illness that is planning on slowing down any time soon. The reason for the increase in the number of documented cases is attributed to terrible lifestyles and partly to the obesity epidemic. With unhealthy, fast food so easily and cheaply accessible, the weighing scales are tipping to the extreme. That when combined with a lack of proper exercise makes up a dangerous combination that will make life a living hell. Plus the fast-paced lifestyle and high loads of work stress also give hypertension to ruin your life.
This is why stress-induced hypertension is so common and prevalent. Hypertension in turn increases the risk of strokes and heart diseases. What is scary is that these conditions may go unnoticed for years and will surface later when you least expect it.
Hypertension And Its Dangers
Hypertension is simply another name for high blood pressure. It is the condition wherein the force of blood through the arteries is so high so as to cause health problems. A few of the complications that arise due to hypertension are:
- Heart attack: Myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, heart failure
- Renal failure
- Blood vessel damage: atherosclerosis, aneurysm
- Retinopathy: a loss in visual senses
- Neurological ailments: Dementia and stroke
- Headaches and convulsions
A person who has hypertension has high pressure acting outwards against the arteries and the blood vessels. The arteries play the role of getting oxygenated blood from the lungs via the heart to the organs and tissues. The normal blood pressure should be anywhere below 120/80. The minute this number goes beyond 140/90 the patient is in big trouble and is categorized as having high blood pressure. The number on the top is systolic while the bottom is the diastolic pressure. Anything above 140/90 means there can be damage to the eyes, an increased risk of stroke, and the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). When this persists over a long period, organ damage occurs and this will spiral out of control if left unchecked.
The sheer dangers it poses are both psychological and physical, which makes it all the more important to have a natural medication to help curb hypertension.
CBD: Cannabidiol
The studies that have shown CBD in a positive light are slowly racking up. The therapeutic medication which is an active ingredient in cannabis and hemp plants has a growing pool of data suggesting that it can be used as a remedy to help reduce and control high blood pressure. CBD does so by restoring the heart’s natural rhythm and relaxing the muscles associated with the cardiovascular system.
How Using CBD Helps Restore Blood Pressure
CBD act as a vasodilator which means that it promotes healthy blood flow in the vessels to help in normalizing the blood pressure. CBD acts as a safety covering and provides additional protection for maintaining safe cardiovascular functioning. Apart from this, CBD has anxiolytic and analgesic properties as well, which helps in reducing pain and facilitates better pain management. A test was conducted which concluded that CBD use was able to reduce the systolic pressure by 5mmHg before and after stress. Here is a list of some of the CBD health benefits:
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Cardiac Contractility
Having pent-up stress and anxiety every now and then contributes heavily to hypertension. This is characterized by the fast pumping of the blood due to increased heart rate. CBD helps in ensuring that the bliss molecule, anandamide, stays in the system longer and is not neutralized due to binding with certain receptors. This means that the user will be happier and will have a better shift in mood by using CBD. This in turn would reduce the heart rate and subsequently the blood pressure.
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Anti-inflammation
CBD is potent as an anti-inflammatory medication. It helps in reducing the swelling of the arteries and cardiovascular system in general. This will help in loosening the arterial walls and broaden the passage, allowing more blood to go through and hence reducing blood pressure.
The Final Note
Keep in mind that CBD must be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. Making sure that you stay clear of cigarettes and overly consuming alcohol is important. Further, having a proper exercise regime is paramount in reducing stress and reducing the baggage on the heart. Make sure to try various forms of CBD and be in for a pleasant surprise as your blood pressure will return to its normal healthy standing and you will be back on your feet, feeling healthier than ever.