Compare the best CBD for Heart in 2022

How CBD Helps With the Heart

Studies showed that CBD purportedly contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve heart disease symptoms and improve overall heart health^(1-2).

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) may trigger anti-inflammatory responses to protect the heart from oxidative stress⁽³⁾.

When cannabidiol enters the human body, it starts interacting with the ECS. The ECS is essential in maintaining wellness and homeostasis in the body.

In addition, the ECS is also responsible for numerous functions in the central nervous system (CNS), immune system, and endocrine system⁽⁴⁾.

The ECS interacts with endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.

CB1 and CB2 receptors are the two primary cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors impact various cognitive functions, while CB2 receptors affect acute and chronic pain and inflammation.

Meanwhile, the endocannabinoids facilitate communication between the ECS and other bodily systems.

The endocannabinoids bind with ECS receptors throughout the body and signal various actions to occur. ECS enzymes break down these cannabinoids.

When plant-based phytocannabinoids, including CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are administered to the body, they bind with cannabinoid receptors.

Cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, are derived from cannabis plants. THC is associated with psychoactive effects, while CBD does not produce such “highs.”

CBD’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce oxidative stress resulting from excess free radicals⁽⁵⁾.

Free radicals are unbalanced atoms that damage cells and may be linked to disease and aging. Antioxidants are chemical compounds that safeguard cells from damage.

Researchers hypothesize that oxidative stress may be one risk factor for developing heart disorders⁽⁶⁾. Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals within the body.

Some people are searching for alternatives to conventional heart medications to relieve their conditions’ symptoms. Some common heart conditions include:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• Coronary heart disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart valve disease
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Heart failure

Common heart medications include beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and statins⁽⁷⁾.

Some people discontinue their heart medications due to side effects. For example, beta-blockers may produce side effects including fatigue, weight gain, cold hands or feet, shortness of breath, sleeping problems, and depression⁽⁸⁾.

Benefits and Uses of CBD for the Heart

The reported benefits of CBD include anti-inflammatory, antioxidative⁽⁹⁾, and analgesic properties⁽¹⁰⁾. Such effectsmay help alleviate the symptoms of heart conditions through means such as lower blood pressure⁽¹¹⁾ and arrhythmia relief⁽¹²⁾.

CBD and Inflammation 

One study with mice models published in Molecular Medicine showed that CBD may help relieve the symptoms of autoimmune myocarditis by inhibiting inflammation of the heart and fibrosis⁽¹³⁾. Fibrosis involves the thickening or scarring of tissue.

Autoimmune myocarditis is an autoimmune disease. Myocarditis conveys an inflammation of the heart muscle and can cause abnormal heart rhythms.

This effect inhibits the heart’s ability to pump blood and may eventually develop into heart failure or death⁽¹⁴⁾.

However, other heart issues may also lead to heart disease. A study with mice models published in 2010 showed that CBD may hinder heart inflammation in diabetic mice⁽¹⁵⁾.

More research is warranted to determine if CBD induces similar cardiovascular benefits in human subjects.

CBD and Blood Pressure

Hypertension may lead to a buildup of lipids in the arteries, causing a hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis. Lipids are molecules that comprise the building blocks of living cells.

High cholesterol levels may lead to heart disease, and complications include high blood pressure⁽¹⁶⁾.

Studies show that CBD may help block the formation of “bad cholesterol” known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL)⁽¹⁷⁾.

LDL is known to clog arteries.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Insight noted that one dose of CBD decreased blood pressure in healthy human subjects⁽¹⁸⁾. The study’s volunteers were given 600 mg of CBD or a placebo.

The study’s results included decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate among the CBD group⁽¹⁹⁾. The researchers hypothesized that more investigation is needed regarding CBD’s potential as a treatment for cardiovasculardisorders.

CBD and Arrhythmia 

Arrhythmia is a health condition characterized by an irregular rhythm or rate of heartbeat⁽²⁰⁾. This condition can result from heartbeats that are excessively fast or slow, or irregular.

A study conducted on rat models reported that CBD helped regulate irregular heartbeats⁽²¹⁾. CBD’s chemical reaction with the blood helped regulate the subjects’ heartbeats.

Another rat study showed that CBD reduced heart attack-induced damage several days following the event⁽²²⁾.

More research is necessitated to determine if CBD may also help stabilize irregular heartbeats in human subjects.

How to Take CBD Oil for the Heart

CBD for the heart can be administered through various methods, including:

• CBD oils and tinctures
• Oral (CBD capsules, CBD tablets, CBD gummies)
• Topicals (CBD lotions, CBD creams, CBD balms, CBD salves)
• CBD vape oils

CBD oil tinctures can be taken sublingually. This method requires using a dropper to place CBD oil under the tongue. CBD users should hold it there for a maximum of 60 seconds then swallow.

The benefit of waiting to swallow the CBD is it goes directly into the bloodstream and bypasses the digestive system⁽²³⁾. The process expedites the body’s absorption of  CBD.

You can also ingest cannabidiol through oral CBD products, including softgels, capsules, and gummies. This administration method allows the cannabinoid to pass through your digestive system before entering the bloodstream.

Topical applications are other options when taking CBD. Common formats include:

• Creams
• Lotions
• Gels
• Salves
• Balms

You may apply these products directly to affected areas for therapeutic objectives such as pain relief. For example, you can target issues such as joint or muscle pain through this administration method.

CBD-infused products sometimes include additional ingredients such as menthol or peppermint to provide localized effects such as cooling and soothing.

CBD vaping offers a faster delivery method⁽²⁴⁾. Compared to other formats, such as oral and topical, vaping may be the quickest administration method.

However, potential side effects include dry mouth and throat, coughing, and shortness of breath⁽²⁵⁾.

In addition, smoking e-cigarettes and cigarettes may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases more than smoking cigarettes alone⁽²⁶⁾.

Heart disease patients are advised to avoid vaping e-cigarettes as it may affect their heart condition⁽²⁷⁾.

CBD Dosage for Heart Conditions 

Currently, no approved doses of CBD for heart disorders exist⁽²⁸⁾. The U.S. FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) has only approved Epidiolex, a prescription drug for treating rare types of epilepsy⁽²⁹⁾.

Studies showed that doses of up to 1,500mg of CBD daily produce no significant side effects⁽³⁰⁾. Thus, CBD seems to be well tolerated when individuals take high doses.

The initial administration for first-time CBD users should be a low dose. If you experience no adverse side effects, you can gradually increase the CBD dosage to achieve the optimum health benefits.

CBD beginners should consider consulting a medical doctor or healthcare provider if they have a heart condition.

A physician can determine whether CBD is safe for you to use based on factors such as the dosage amount and frequency.

How Long CBD Takes to Help the Heart

No definitive study has been conducted on the amount of time required to initiate CBD’s biological effects after using cannabidiol for heart conditions.

The amount of time required to feel the biological effects of CBD varies based on factors such as the form. You may feel the effects of vaping CBD within a few minutes, sublingual drops within 30 minutes, and edibles within two hours⁽³¹⁾.

Topical administration may produce localized effects within 10 minutes⁽³²⁾. However, more research is required to determine whether CBD topicals enter the bloodstream.

How Long CBD Helps With the Heart

Researchers have not conducted studies with definitive results indicating the efficacy duration for CBD products.

CBD’s efficacy duration may differ for individuals with heart conditions based on various factors.

It is generally advisable to commence usage of CBD products at a low amount of CBD. Then, individuals can gradually augment the dosage until achieving the desired effects.

Risks and Side Effects of Utilizing CBD for the Heart

The World Health Organization (WHO) hypothesized that CBD is a well tolerated compound in humans and has a favorable safety profile⁽³³⁾. In addition, CBD is classified as a non-addictive substance⁽³⁴⁾.

The WHO noted that no cases of CBD dependence had been reported⁽³⁵⁾.

However, CBD may produce mild side effects, including dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal problems, mood changes, and liver damage⁽³⁶⁾.

CBD may also produce drug interactions with some heart medications and dietary supplements and raise their levels in the bloodstream⁽³⁷⁾.

The enzyme system cytochrome P450 breaks down particular cardiovascular medications⁽³⁸⁾.

A 2016 study hypothesized that CBD may be the most potent enzyme inhibitor in the cytochrome P450 family⁽³⁹⁾. This inhibition may impact a heart medication’s efficacy.

Medical researchers have discovered interactions with common heart medicines such as beta-blockers, statins, nitrates, and calcium channel blockers⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Additionally, the U.S. FDA recommends that consumers be wary about CBD products sold as supplements and marketed with unverified therapeutic claims⁽⁴¹⁾.

The FDA’s Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Review excludes CBD as an ingredient⁽⁴²⁾. Thus, the FDA has not tested and approved numerous CBD products on the market.

Epidiolex is derived from purified CBD and is the only FDA-approved CBD drug on the market. The medication is used to treat seizures related to rare forms of epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)⁽⁴³⁾.

Consulting a physician before taking CBD is advisable for individuals with heart conditions to be guided on the usage, dosage, and potential side effects.

How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for Heart Disease

These are critical factors to contemplate when selecting a high-quality CBD product for heart health:

Types of CBD

Three types of CBD oil are available on the market: full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil, and CBD isolateoil.

CBD oil sourced from full-spectrum hemp contains all the cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant, including flavonoids, terpenes, fatty acids, and essential oils.

Flavonoids are plant pigments, terpenes are aromatic compounds, fatty acids are the building blocks of fat, and essential oils are liquid botanical extracts.

The cannabinoids work synergistically to create an entourage effect⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD contains a wide range of chemical compounds in the hemp plant, including cannabinoids such as cannabidiol and cannabigerol (CBG).

However, broad-spectrum CBD’s one differentiation from full-spectrum products is that THC is typically removed from the hemp extract, making it THC-free.

CBD isolates are pure CBD and contain no other cannabinoids extracted from hemp plants.

• Hemp oil is produced from the hemp plant’s stalks, stems, and flowers, while hempseed oil is extracted from the hemp plant’s seeds.
• Consider using products from locally grown hemp sourced from U.S. states such as Colorado, Kentucky, and Oregon⁽⁴⁵⁾.
• Quality products with CBD include sources such as organic hemp made without genetically modified organisms (non-GMO). The best CBD oil contains organic CBD oil produced without synthetic products, such as artificial fertilizers and pesticides.
• Learn the extraction method CBD companies use to produce CBD products. CO2 extraction is one of the most often used extraction methods. This process enacts pressurized carbon dioxide to remove natural compounds from the hemp plant.
• Research which carrier oils are used. Carrier oils are utilized to dilute essential oils, such as CBD extracts, before applying them to the skin or taking them sublingually. Common examples include hempseed oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil).
• Check the CBD product label for additives such as preservatives or flavorings. CBD companies sometimes add flavors such as mint chocolate to offset the “earthy” taste of unflavored CBD.
• Purchase CBD products from reliable sources. Check if a CBD brand provides sufficient information about its products on its official website.
• Verify if the CBD products underwent third-party testing. Review the certificate of analysis (COA) for the presence of pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and other harmful contaminants.
• COAs should also include information such as a CBD product’s concentrations and potencies.
• Buy CBD oil products from reliable sources. CBD brands should provide sufficient information about products on their official website. An example is third-party test results.
• Check the CBD product’s label for certification codes. Such codes indicate that certified authorities have rigorously tested and approved the product.
• Consult with a cardiologist to determine if CBD is safe to use for a particular heart condition.
• Verify that the government has licensed a CBD retailer or dispensary before making purchases.
• Before purchasing CBD products from online stores, read several brand and product reviews.

CBD and Other Alternative Treatments for Heart Conditions

A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management may help prevent heart diseases⁽⁴⁶⁾.

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) may be utilized for cardiac conditions. CAM consists of medicinal herbs, physical therapies, mind-body therapies, and other natural alternatives⁽⁴⁷⁾.

People with heart diseases may increase blood flow and reduce stress through massage, biofeedback, meditation, and chelation⁽⁴⁸⁾.

People with heart conditions often attempt to relieve heart condition symptoms by taking herbs and supplements in combination with prescription medicines, including⁽⁴⁹⁾:

• Ginkgo biloba
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Garlic
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CBD may be classified as an add-on therapy for individuals seeking to shift to lifestyle changes or a healthy diet.

However, CBD may cause potential interactions with conventional heart disease medications⁽⁵⁰⁾.

Consulting a physician is advisable before using CBD to receive critical information about usage, dosage, and potential drug interactions.

Legality of CBD

The Farm Bill of 2018 made CBD readily available in most U.S. states. CBD products are legal if derived from hemp with under 0.3% THC⁽⁵¹⁾.

Under federal law, hemp plant cultivation, production, and manufacturing are legal on the federal level. The U.S. government also removed industrial hemp from the Controlled Substance List⁽⁵²⁾.

Controlled substances are government-regulated prescription medications or drugs that may cause addiction or substance abuse⁽⁵³⁾.

State laws may impose restrictions on CBD. However, several states allow cannabis-rich oils with high THC levels⁽⁵⁴⁾.

Patients may also legally use, possess, or purchase medical marijuana if diagnosed with a qualifying condition.  However, patients may be required a physician’s recommendation before purchasing medical cannabis⁽⁵⁵⁾.