Should Patients With Congenital Heart Disease Use CBD?
Many types of congenital heart disease exist, and patients generally require treatment throughout their lives. Common adult symptoms include too-slow or rapid heartbeat, swelling, bluish tint in the lips, nails and skin, fatigue and shortness of breath. Initial studies on CBD for heart diseases show positive effects, but clinical trials are needed before determining its impact on the human cardiovascular system. In addition, CBD can interfere with heart medication. Patients are advised to consult a doctor about CBD use.
Congenital Heart Disease Symptoms
In adults, common symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat or too-slow heartbeat, known as arrhythmia
- Bluish tint on the lips, fingernails and skin
- Swelling in organs or tissues
- Shortness of breath
- Tendency to become easily fatigued
There are many variations of congenital heart disease. Some do not cause symptoms, while others may have symptoms that recur years after therapy. In most cases, the condition requires treatment throughout the patient’s life.
CBD for Heart Diseases
Researchers are studying the effects of CBD for heart attacks and strokes, and other heart conditions such as congenital heart disease. Studies on animals have presented positive effects of CBD on the cardiovascular system. CBD appears to have a protective role by reducing the effects of cardiac ischemia, a reduced ability of the heart’s muscles to pump blood. It also appears to offer a protective effect in models of stroke by maintaining cerebral blood flow.
In light of these findings, CBD could show a benefit for coronary heart disease patients or transient ischemic attacks. However, more analysis is needed. Researchers need to perform clinical trials to determine if initial findings translate into benefits for the human cardiovascular system.
Because the liver breaks down CBD in the body, the process can interfere with medications for heart conditions, such as warfarin, some statins, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and nitrates. Therefore, CBD can pose health risks to some patients with heart failure.
While initial trials indicate evidence of CBD’s positive effects on the cardiovascular system, patients with congenital heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions should speak with their doctor before using CBD.
