Explore the many advantages of cannabis. It appears that the plant can help lower blood pressure levels.
the magazine Nature: Scientific Reports Recently released study covering more than 91,000 subjects. The study concluded that current and lifetime cannabis consumption is associated with lower blood pressure levels. The research indicates that this finding applies to all users, with a greater impact on females.
French researcher Alexandre Vallée led a study titled “The Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Blood Pressure Levels According to Comorbidities and Socioeconomic Status”. The study acknowledges contradictory results Cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use. Vallée also points to the narrow population range of previous research and the paucity of studies examining the effect of cannabis on cardiovascular health among both sexes.
Examining the relationship between cannabis and blood pressure
The investigation was based on information from the UK Biobank. This initiative collects data from many adults to study, prevent, diagnose and treat chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.
This research involved recruiting 156,959 volunteers from the UK Biobank, who provided information regarding their cannabis use and underwent blood pressure measurements. The study excluded 65,798 individuals due to incomplete data and unclassified variables.
Individuals taking antihypertensive or antidepressant medication and a history of prior cardiovascular disease were also excluded. The remaining participants, whose data were used in the study, consisted of a diverse group of individuals with varying cannabis consumption patterns and blood pressure levels.
At the assessment center, participants’ systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured twice with either an automated blood pressure monitor or manual measurement. If the automated method fails, they often use a sphygmomanometer, an inflatable cuff, and a stethoscope. The study used a rigorous approach to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected.
{Systolic blood pressure refers to the pressure exerted on the arteries during a heartbeat. Diastolic blood pressure refers to the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.}
The research used a self-reported questionnaire to document participants’ use of cannabis, and to inquire about their cumulative lifetime consumption. Those who reported never using cannabis were classified as a control group, while those who disclosed no use, even long-term, were considered cannabis users. This approach made it easier to distinguish between users and non-users, enabling researchers to draw accurate conclusions from the data.
The study used various questions to differentiate cannabis users, including frequency of use and time of last cannabis consumption. This classification process involved separating users into specific categories based on their level of consumption, such as daily users, weekly but not daily users, monthly rather than weekly users, and those who consumed cannabis less than once a month.
The researchers also grouped the users into subcategories based on their current or past cannabis use status. This method enabled a more detailed analysis of cannabis users and their potential impact on blood pressure.
There are no direct answers.
According to the researcher, previous studies indicated a stronger association between cannabis use and systolic rather than diastolic blood pressure. However, the The relationship between cannabis and blood pressure It remains vague, with no clear consensus.
The study highlights the potential The influence of cannabis content, among other factors. Recent research has revealed that CBD can lower blood pressure and stimulate vasodilation in the arteries. Similarly, THC has also been linked to relaxing blood vessels, but its effects on blood vessels differ based on whether they are central or peripheral arteries, with inconsistent results across studies.
According to the study, stopping cannabis use suddenly is associated with higher blood pressure. The study also found that alcohol consumption may influence the relationship between cannabis use and systolic blood pressure. However, more research is needed to accurately understand drug interactions between the two.
The study’s application was restricted to middle-aged UK subjects, which makes it difficult to extrapolate results to other age groups or ethnicities. In addition, the study did not record information on cannabis use in the 30 days prior to the survey, which makes it difficult to distinguish between short-term and long-term associations between cannabis and blood pressure. The study also did not measure THC or CBD levels or explore different consumption methods.
Although there are many unanswered questions regarding the relationship between cannabis and blood pressure, the large study sample size for the UK Biobank was a major advantage.
However, the small differences in blood pressure observed between heavy cannabis users and never users, as well as current cannabis users and never users, are not critically important for the implementation of cannabis policies for blood pressure in clinical settings. As a result, more longitudinal studies in the general population and hypertensive patients are needed to explore the potential of cannabinoids for medical use in lowering blood pressure.
Conclusion
After careful study of the study on cannabis use and blood pressure, it is clear that the relationship between the two is complex and multifaceted. While some evidence suggests that cannabis use may be associated with lower blood pressure, particularly among women and heavy users, other factors such as age, race, and alcohol consumption may also play a role. Furthermore, the potential cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use cannot be ignored, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions or who are using other medications.
Despite the inconclusive nature of the current research, one thing is certain: The study of cannabis and its effects on the human body is still in its infancy, and there is much to learn. As more states and countries legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, we must continue to conduct rigorous scientific research to better understand its potential benefits and risks.
Ultimately, the study on cannabis and blood pressure serves as a reminder that there are often no easy answers to complex health issues. As we continue to explore the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use, we must do so with an open mind, a critical eye, a commitment to scientific rigor, and empathy for all people who may be affected.
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