High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is where the pressure of the flow of blood in the vessels and arteries is higher that it should be. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day and depending on the activities we do. For example, blood pressure is lower when we are resting than when doing strenuous exercise. When blood pressure is abnormally high for a consistent amount of time, it is known as hypertension and it may create further health problems if left unchecked.
When blood pressure is too high, it puts strain on the blood vessels and organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys. This puts people at increased risk of strokes, heart attacks and heart disease, vascular dementia, disease of the arteries, kidney disease, aneurysms and more. It can also effect eyesight.
Hypertension can be categorised into distinct types:
- Pulmonary hypertension – this is where high blood pressure affects the arteries in the heart and lungs. They blood vessels may become narrow, blocked or irreparably damaged.
- Portal hypertension – this is increased pressure in the portal vein that runs from the stomach and other digestive organs to the liver.
- Intracranial hypertension – an increase in blood pressure in the vessels around the brain. Sometimes there is an obvious cause for this such as after a stroke, the growth of a tumour or an injury. When there is no identifiable reason, it is known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
- Orthostatic hypertension – where blood pressure suddenly rises when standing.
In addition to varying types of hypertension, the severity also increases in stages. There is normal blood pressure, which then increases to pre-systolic. This means a person is at risk of developing more serious hypertension. Stage 1 hypertension is pressure that ranges from 130 to 139 mmHg, and stage 2 hypertension is pressure that is 140/90 mmHg or higher.
Hypertension symptoms are not always obvious, and many people do not realise they have high blood pressure. The most reliable way to know is with a blood pressure test. This can either be done by a doctor, a pharmacist, or by using a blood pressure monitor at home.
There are some factors that put people at increased risk of developing high blood pressure:
- an unhealthy diet that is high in sodium
- low levels of exercise
- being overweight or obese
- smoking
- excessive alcohol
- excessive caffeine
- over the age of 65
- chronic stress
- some ethnic groups are more prone to developing hypertension
Sometimes, raised blood pressure does not have a clear cause, and this is known as essential hypertension. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce blood pressure, and even small reductions can make a big difference to overall health.
Traditional Treatment Options for High Blood Pressure
The traditional ways of treating high blood pressure is by implementing lifestyle changes and using medications. Drugs to lower blood pressure include ACE inhibitors, diuretics, alpha blockers, and beta blockers. The type a doctor prescribes depends on the type of hypertension, the stage of the condition, and other factors such as overall health and age. Blood pressure medicines often have side-effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, feeling light-headed, tired or weak.
Considering the side-effects of hypertension drugs, many try to reduce blood pressure though natural ways, such as lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, can help to lower blood pressure, as will stopping smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol. Other ways to lower blood pressure is by using supplements such as CBD (Cannabidiol) oil.
CBD Oil for High Blood Pressure
CBD is a cannabinoid that comes from hemp, a plant in the cannabis family. Unlike marijuana, another strain of cannabis, hemp does not contain the same levels of the cannabinoid THC that makes people feel high. Hemp is rich in CBD, a cannabinoid that is showing to have many health benefits, and does not produce any high effects.
Using CBD for hypertension is effective. One study1 has shown that CBD reduced resting blood pressure in healthy humans, as well as reducing it before and after stress. Another study by researchers from the University of Nottingham Royal Derby Hospital, UK, looked at how CBD oil lowers blood pressure by widening the blood vessels, known as vasorelaxant2,. It showed that CBD helps to dilate the blood vessels, which become narrow and hard through hypertension. This relaxing effect allows more blood to pass through, reducing the pressure inside.
CBD for hypertension is a subject of continuing research, and its effectiveness may depend on the type of hypertension being treated. When using CBD, portal hypertension that is caused by liver damage may require other types of treatment, however, CBD is hugely beneficial in helping with arterial and other types of hypertension3.
Stress and anxiety are often reasons for raised blood pressure, especially where there is no obvious cause. CBD oil is known to help with relaxation and promote calm. By managing symptoms of stress and anxiety, this also has a beneficial effect on hypertension.
When using CBD, hypertension has been shown to reduce. The extent to which it works will differ depending on the individual, the type of hypertension, and the dosage. To find out the best CBD dosage for hypertension, our CBD oil dosage calculator gives you personalised results in minutes. After inputting a few details that are individual to you, you get a recommended dose that gives you the perfect base to start from when using CBD oil for hypertension.
CBD is a healthy supplement that can be used to help reduce blood pressure in many ways, and is especially helpful for those who are in the pre-systolic to stage 1 hypertension range, and who are not already taking blood pressure medications. CBD oil, combined with healthy lifestyle changes helps lower blood pressure and may reduce the need for future medications for those individuals whose hypertension is caused by their lifestyle.
What you need to know about CBD oil, hypertension and its signs
Hypertension is another term used for high blood pressure. While blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, hypertension is where blood pressure is abnormally raised for continuous amount of time. There are different types of hypertension that affect different areas and blood vessels of the body.
Sometime hypertension is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, such as a high sodium diet, low levels of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Hypertension can also be caused by damaged or diseases of the organs, from a tumour or an injury. Sometimes there may not be an obvious reason why someone had hypertension.
CBD oil has been shown to reduce blood pressure in many scientific studies. It does so by its relaxing effect on the blood vessels, as well as being effective in reducing anxiety and stress, which may also cause high blood pressure.
The best CBD dosage for high blood pressure will depend on the type of hypertension shown, and the age and height of the individual. Our CBD oil calculator provides an accurate CBD dosage recommendation based upon an individual’s unique profile. All you need to do is add a few details and the result are displayed in minutes.