What You Should Know About CBD and High Blood Pressure

Understanding Hypertension

Hypertension is typically classified as either primary or secondary. If you’re wondering what causes high blood pressure, it depends on the classification. Primary HBP tends to arise due to non-specific lifestyle and genetic factors, while secondary HBP is attributed to actual causes such as chronic kidney disease or other endocrine problems. Blood pressure is typically expressed as measurements of systolic pressure and diastolic pressure, which respectively are the maximum and minimum blood pressures in the body. For most people, consistent resting systolic and diastolic pressures above 130/80 or 140/90 mmHg indicate hypertension.

Measuring and Monitoring Hypertension

You may be wondering what are the symptoms of high blood pressure. Symptoms are usually associated with severe hypertension which is determined according to the categories of blood pressure readings (in mmHg) for respective systolic and diastolic pressures:

•         Healthy: Below 120 and 80

•         Elevated: Between 120 and 129 and below 80

•         Stage 1 Hypertension: Between 130 and 139, or between 80 and 89

•         Stage 2 Hypertension: Above 140 or above 90

•         Hypertensive Crisis: Above 180 or above 120

HBP in the hypertensive crisis range usually requires immediate medical attention.

Treating With CBD

Because HBP is a chronic condition that can lead to serious medical issues, some wonder how CBD oil can help. Many people take CBD for pain, inflammation and improved sleep. Research shows that CBD does reduce blood pressure in humans as stress responses, but more studies are needed to see if it is effective on cardiovascular disorders. Talk to your doctor before taking CBD oil for hypertension.