{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/cardiovascular-disease/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3074-markdown","title":"CBD & Heart Palpitations: What We Know ","slug":"cbd-and-heart-palpitations-what-we-know","content":"A racing heart is a scary but common side effect of consuming cannabis. This is due to tetrahydrocannabinol ([THC](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/thc)), the cannabis compound responsible for the plant’s euphoric high. But people who consume cannabidiol ([CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/cbd)) products such as tinctures [have also reported heart palpitations](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/can-cbd-tinctures-give-you-heart-palpitations/), even though these products contain very little or no [THC](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-thc-vs-cbd).\n\nCan [CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-cbd-and-how-can-it-help-me) cause the heart to pound as THC does? Research reveals that this cannabis compound doesn’t negatively affect your heart rate or blood pressure, but scientists are still working to unravel the complex relationship between cannabis and the heart.\n\n![Hello4-min (5).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello4_min_5_c09a7860a5.png)\n\n### How Cannabis Affects the Cardiovascular System\n\nThe heart is the most visible member of the cardiovascular system—a sprawling network of veins and arteries that carry nutrient-rich blood to all parts of the body.  \n\nThe [cardiovascular system is also intertwined with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6020134/), a rich network of cell receptors that natural cannabinoids produced by the body, called [endocannabinoids](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system), and cannabinoids from outside sources, mainly the cannabis plant, can activate. The [ECS works with many other subsystems](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system#:~:text=The%20endocannabinoid%20system%20regulates%20autophagy,keep%20the%20whole%20body%20healthy.) and processes to support homeostasis, or balance, which is necessary for good health. \n\nSome research suggests that [the cardiovascular system is the source of the body’s endocannabinoids](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2728560/):\n\n* [Anandamide](https://hellomd.com/articles/eating-anandamide-the-bliss-molecule/)\n* 2-AG\n\nLipid molecules in the cell membranes of the heart and other cardiovascular tissues create these endocannabinoids.  \n\nEndocannabinoids bind to ECS receptors, [called CB1 and CB2](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/beyond-the-cb1-and-cb2-cannabis-receptors-trpv1-and-gpr55), throughout the body and brain to support the immune system and regulate many other essential functions—and so do cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. This is why cannabis can have such a wide range of effects.\n\nBut the action of the CB1 and CB2 receptors isn’t always positive. And these receptors can behave in different ways in the presence of various cannabis compounds and [terpenes](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-are-cannabis-terpenes-and-how-do-they-work). This can make it difficult to determine whether compounds like CBD and THC are helpful or harmful in certain situations.\n\nFor example, some studies suggest that people who consume whole-plant cannabis have a higher risk of heart disease than others. And for all consumers, the risk of a heart attack increases fivefold within an hour of taking cannabis; the risk of a stroke quadruples in that same period.  \n\nOn the other hand, taking cannabis can increase the survival rate after a stroke or heart attack and reduce the risk of a potentially serious condition called atrial fibrillation in people who already have heart failure.\n\n![Hello5-min (5).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello5_min_5_12ad4a87c4.png)\n \n### How Can Cannabis Cause Heart Palpitations?\n\nWhen cannabis causes negative effects on the heart and cardiovascular system, [THC is the reason](https://cannabis.net/blog/medical/heart-palpitations-when-you-use-cannabis-heres-why).  \n\nAfter consuming a cannabis product that contains THC, some people experience a sudden, rapid heartbeat—an increase of up to 50 beats per minute. THC causes blood vessels to relax and open, which can make blood pressure drop. This forces the heart to beat faster to keep the usual amount of blood flowing.  \n\nA speeding heartbeat after taking marijuana isn’t generally a cause for concern in healthy people, but it can be risky for people who already have some kind of heart or cardiovascular condition.  \n\nCBD doesn’t affect the heart and cardiovascular system in the same way, though. It’s a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that works not only with ECS receptors but also with other systems and processes to support healing and [relieve pain](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/5-hemp-cbd-products-for-your-aches-and-pains). \n\nCBD can also soften the effects of THC by blocking its action on the CB1 receptor. And this provides some protection from THC’s negative effects, such as:\n\n* [Anxiety](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/finding-success-with-cannabis-to-reduce-anxiety)\n* Paranoia \n* Rapid heartbeat\n\nA number of studies have investigated the effects of CBD on various physiological processes over the past decade or so. Researchers have concluded that although individual responses to CBD can vary, CBD-only products don’t cause changes in the cardiovascular system, including blood pressure and heart rate. \n\n![Hello8-min (2).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello8_min_2_c2c7be5039.png)\n\n### Is There A Connection Between CBD & Heart Palpitations?\n\nSo, why would someone have heart flutters after taking CBD? One [widely disputed study](https://www.kazmira-llc.com/blog/does-cbd-convert-to-thc-in-the-body/) hypothesized that people taking CBD can have THC-like symptoms because gastric fluids found in the stomach could actually convert CBD into THC. Researchers said THC could enter the bloodstream and affect the body in the same way as THC from cannabis could.   \n\nBut the 2016 study didn’t use real gastric juices, only an analog—a substance that resembles gastric juices—that scientists use in labs to determine how fast medications could dissolve in the stomach. And the study’s researchers found that under those circumstances, the molecules in CBD did, in fact, break down into THC. \n\nBut later research contradicts their claim that CBD can convert to THC in the stomach. Numerous studies have shown that [in natural digestive juices—such as when a person consumes a CBD-infused edible—CBD remains CBD](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22129319), and no traces of THC can be found. \n\nThese studies conclude that there’s no evidence that CBD can change into THC in either humans or animals, so there’s no need to worry that taking CBD may cause THC-like effects.\n\nBut solving the mystery of having heart palpitations after taking CBD products may take some detective work. Consuming other products that affect heart rate, such as caffeine, at the same time may play a role—so could certain medications.  \n\nIt’s also important to remember that CBD can affect people differently, and different products can have distinct effects. For example, tinctures enter the body quickly through the mucus membranes in the mouth, while edibles take much longer to work through the digestive system and into the bloodstream.\n\nThe relationship between CBD and the cardiovascular system is complicated, and scientists are still working to understand it. But the expanding body of research we have tells us that CBD in all its forms has powers to help, not harm, the heart.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started/). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1,"src":"/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/ee604/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.png","srcSet":"/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/69585/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.png 200w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/497c6/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.png 400w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/ee604/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.png 800w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/afd1d/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.png 816w","srcWebp":"/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/58556/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/61e93/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.webp 200w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/1f5c5/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.webp 400w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/58556/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.webp 800w,\n/static/5484f9b61d917fdecb980df376feadfc/b6f2d/7dd8ac0280d8c9b4de853c32ae4373cb.webp 816w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3070-markdown","title":"Cannabis & Its Effect on the Heart: It’s Complicated","slug":"cannabis-and-its-effect-on-the-heart-its-complicated","content":"[Kevin Smith, director of cult films such as “Clerks,” “Mallrats” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” says cannabis saved his life](https://www.metro.us/body-and-mind/health/can-marijuana-prevent-heart-attacks). \n\nBack in 2018, the writer/director suffered a massive heart attack—a kind that only 20% of patients survive and that doctors call “the widowmaker.” But Smith had been smoking a lot of cannabis earlier in the day, and he says his doctors told him that all of that marijuana may have saved his life.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/564935726915516/united-states/san-francisco-california/hellomd/)\n\nHow? It isn’t completely clear—though Smith credits his consumption for keeping him calm and relaxed during his heart attack, something his doctors said kept his condition from deteriorating further.\n\nToday, Kevin Smith is healthy and back at work. No word on whether he’s still consuming cannabis, but his story highlights the contradictory and often confusing evidence about cannabis’s effects on the heart. \n\nConsiderable research shows that [cannabis can contribute to increased rates of heart attack and stroke](https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/marijuana-and-heart-health-what-you-need-to-know), especially in people who already have some form of heart disease. \n\nBut [recent research reveals some surprising discoveries about the benefits of cannabis](https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/sj.bjp.0707517)—and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in particular—for a healthy heart.\n\n### How Does Cannabis Affect the Heart?\n\nThe _Cannabis sativa_ plant contains over 100 different compounds and terpenes—oils that add flavors and scents to all plants. \n\nEach cannabis strain has its own unique profile of cannabinoid compounds and terpenes, but they all contain significant amounts of two major cannabinoids: THC and cannabidiol (CBD). Though the proportions of CBD and THC can vary across strains, these two compounds account for many of the various effects cannabis can have on your health.  \n\nRELATED: [IS CBD GOOD FOR YOUR HEART?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5c64cc2aeb14100009da222b/is-cbd-good-for-your-heart)\n\nCBD has a long list of documented health benefits. It doesn’t get you high like THC can, but it has been reported to:\n\n* Relieve pain\n* Fight inflammation\n* Protect the delicate neural structures of the brain \n\nTHC is responsible for the classic marijuana euphoric high, as well as many of the potential undesirable side effects of consuming cannabis, such as:\n\n* Anxiety\n* Paranoia \n* Agitation  \n\nThese compounds and others trigger receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a widespread network that responds to cannabinoid chemicals produced naturally by the body as well as ones from outside sources, mainly the cannabis plant.  \n\nWhether it’s smoked, vaped or consumed some other way, [natural cannabis with the full complement of compounds and terpenes has a number of complex effects](https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/marijuana-and-heart-health-what-you-need-to-know) on the heart and blood vessels. These include:\n\n* Elevated blood pressure\n* Rapid resting heart rate\n* Dilated blood vessels, which cause red eyes and flushing\n\nSome research also indicates that [the risk of a heart attack or stroke can rise dramatically in the hour after consuming cannabis](https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2016/09/22/08/58/marijuana-and-coronary-heart-disease), especially if it’s smoked. This risk is greater, too, if a person has an existing heart condition; scientists think THC is to blame for these risks.\n\nBut the plant can also improve a person’s survival rate after a heart attack or stroke. Recent research indicates that [cannabis could reduce the risk of a condition called atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat](https://www.livescience.com/60988-marijuana-heart-failure.html), in people who are already experiencing heart failure. \n\nNow, some studies suggest that for reasons that remain unclear, THC, as well as CBD, can have some unique benefits for helping the heart.\n\n### What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?\n\n[Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease](https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/01/31/cardiovascular-diseases-affect-nearly-half-of-american-adults-statistics-show), and it’s one of the leading causes of death in the US. Atherosclerosis, or “hardening of the arteries,” causes coronary artery disease. That’s a process in which plaque builds up on the walls of arteries that supply blood to the heart and brain. \n\nPlaque is a combination of:\n\n* Cholesterol deposits\n* Fatty substances\n* Other kinds of cells\n\nWhen all of this accumulates on artery walls, they become stiff and narrow.  Over time, accumulated plaque can reduce the flow of blood, or even block it entirely, causing a heart attack. \n\nPlaque deposits can also break off and travel to other blood vessels, where they can block blood flow and cause strokes.  \n\n### THC May Protect Arteries\n\nTreatment for coronary artery disease includes lifestyle changes such as:\n\n* Quitting smoking \n* Performing regular exercise\n* Taking powerful drugs such as beta-blockers and statins \n\nSurgery may be needed to clear blocked arteries or place a stent to help blood flow.  \n\nBut some studies suggest that THC can affect ECS receptors in the arteries themselves to reduce the buildup of plaque.\n\nIn a study reported in the _British Journal of Psychopharmacology_, researchers found that people with atherosclerosis have elevated levels of a certain type of cell, called foam cells.  \n\nThese cells gravitate to the fatty deposits on artery walls, where they ingest low-density lipoproteins—the LDL cholesterol that’s popularly known as bad cholesterol. This gives them an easily identifiable foamy appearance. As they accumulate, they form the plaque that causes the narrowing and blockage of arteries.\n\nThe ECS is made up of receptors, called CB1 and CB2. These receptors are found in varying amounts throughout the body’s cells and tissues. According to research, the foam cells that cause artery plaque contain CB2 receptors. When THC activates these receptors, it appears to prevent foam cells from depositing fatty plaque on artery walls.\n\nLow doses of THC may also protect the arteries from damage that LDL cholesterol causes. Oxidation of cells causes the release of free radicals, toxic byproducts that can damage cells and accelerate their decay. \n\nWhen LDL cholesterol oxidizes, it can produce inflammation that damages artery walls. But low doses of THC also seem to inhibit the activity of an enzyme that oxidizes LDL cholesterol. This reduces inflammation levels that also contribute to coronary artery disease.\n\nThe relationship between cannabis and the heart is complex, and scientists are still working to understand why cannabis can protect the cardiovascular system under some circumstances and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke in others. But recent discoveries about THC’s power to affect artery plaque could point the way to new, safer ways to protect the heart.\n\nPhoto credit: Microgen/Shutterstock.com\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/14b42/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/f836f/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.jpg 200w,\n/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/2244e/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.jpg 400w,\n/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/14b42/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.jpg 800w,\n/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/47498/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/0e329/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.jpg 1600w,\n/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/ffa36/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.jpg 1773w","srcWebp":"/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/58556/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/61e93/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.webp 200w,\n/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/1f5c5/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.webp 400w,\n/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/58556/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.webp 800w,\n/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/99238/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.webp 1200w,\n/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/7c22d/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.webp 1600w,\n/static/e3511c9ab8835b799f1cb146d20c97fd/d1528/4c1371ab4988bd529ae0739e4a834ed1.webp 1773w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5075,"name":"Cardiovascular Disease","slug":"cardiovascular-disease","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}