CBD water is a great way to enjoy CBD while staying hydrated. But you may have heard that some components of cannabis sativa could affect your heart rate.
Whether it's a Hollywood movie perpetuating stereotypes about the plant or a friend’s first-hand experience, it’s okay if you're concerned about cannabis-related products and their possible effect on your heart rate.
This article will explain how CBD affects heart rate and overall cardiovascular health.
To kick things off, we’ll start with an important statement: CBD has not been proven to affect heart rate. Is this because CBD does not affect heart rate at all? Or is the reason closer related to the fact that CBD studies are somewhat limited because there is mostly a lack of human trials with CBD?
Plenty of small-scale and animal studies give us a hint of what’s in the future when it comes to what we understand about the popular cannabinoid. With that said, some studies indicate CBD could benefit cardiovascular health. But when it comes to the details, the studies are still ongoing. So, here’s what we know for now.
Note: speak to your doctor if you have cardiovascular concerns in advance of consuming any CBD product.
Quick Look: How Does CBD Affect Heart Rate?
There is little extensive research on CBD's effect on heart rate, but most studies show an association between CBD and a reduced heart rate.
The decrease in heart rate may be mild, but studies show CBD may slow down unnecessary cardiac responses to stress and, therefore, may benefit the heart.
Heart Disease: America’s Silent Stalker
Did you know that cardiovascular disease claims the title of being the leading cause of death and disability?
For those with a heart condition, it is common for the body’s oxygen and nutrients to be heightened and sped up as the heart rate is quickened. This then develops into a risk factor for heart attacks.
But on the other hand, a lower heart rate can assist in relaxing the muscles of the heart and keep blood pressure balanced. And this is the perfect time to introduce CBD.
CBD and Heart Rate: What the Early Research Shows
Researchers have found that CBD does affect heart rate, as well as overall heart health.
The most beneficial effects of CBD are linked with its impact on the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Early on, researchers believed that the ECS is mainly present in the brain. Now, however, they understand that it exists just about everywhere in the body - not only brain tissue but also other organs and cells like those found in immune system tissues.
There are receptors for the ECS located throughout the body- indicating that CBD could interact with the systems connected to the ECS. And yes, even the heart muscles, adipose tissues, and blood cells contain receptors for the ECS.
Let’s look at the different ways CBD could impact cardiovascular health.
CBD + Blood Pressure
Since the ECS is present in blood vessels, it could affect how blood vessels contract and expand, which is directly linked to blood pressure. CBD causes TRPV1 channels to become desensitized, which helps to calm the heart. In addition, research indicates that CBD slows down your heart rate—a benefit for those living with or at risk of hypertension (high blood pressure).
CBD + Thrombosis
Blood clotting could be affected as research indicates that platelets are encouraged to clump together) when CBD is introduced into the system.
CBD + Stress Response
When we feel stressed, various systems in our body are involved- and CBD could regulate these behind-the-scenes responses. Research indicates CBD could help control the impulses that trigger the hormones released when our bodies respond to stress.
FAQs
What are the Side Effects of CBD?
CBD is generally well-tolerated, and most people do not experience any side effects. However, in some cases, it may cause mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or changes in appetite.
Interacting with Medication
Speaking to your doctor before taking CBD is important, as it may interact with certain medications. CBD can interfere with the breakdown of certain drugs in the liver, increasing the levels of these drugs in the blood.
How Many Milligrams of CBD Should I Take?
It is best to start with a low dose and work your way up gradually. The amount of CBD you should take depends on your individual needs and health goals. Speaking to your doctor to determine the best dosage for you is important.
Final Thoughts on How CBD Water Affects Heart Rate
Scientists have found that CBD has a noticeable effect on heart rate and overall heart health.
CBD has been linked to lower blood pressure and slower heart rate due to its ability to interact with brain and nervous system receptors. In particular, research indicates CBD could have a calming effect on the body, reducing stress and anxiety. As a result, the heart's natural rhythm is stabilized, leading to a slower heart rate and lower blood pressure.
The combination of the potential calming effects of CBD and the hydrating power of sparkling water makes CENTR the perfect choice for active individuals looking to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy heart rate.
CENTR offers an array of CBD sparkling water products, making finding your balance in life easy. Whether you're looking to relax after a long day or get ready for a workout, CENTR has the perfect flavor for you.
