Do you know that feeling when your heart seems to leap out of your chest? Or a completely different sensation when you quickly feel dizzy or nauseous? Both symptoms can have the same origin: heart arrhythmia!
In this article, we'll explore the effects of CBD in relation to heart arrhythmia, whether and how it can help, relying as always on studies and experiences! Enjoy reading.
What does CBD have to do with the heart?
CBD, in general, doesn't directly affect the heart but rather acts on the body's endocannabinoid system (also known as the ECS). It helps activate the receptors of this system, the
- CB1 receptors and
- CB2 receptors
as an external agent. In the end, it's like a legal "boost" for the system, helping it perform better.
The endocannabinoid system significantly influences
- the nervous system and
- the immune system
And that's why CBD can be a useful addition to traditional medications for heart rhythm disturbances. The causes of this condition often involve these two systems and include:
- Inflammation of the heart muscle
- Stress
- Drug abuse
- Potassium deficiency
- Side effects of medications
- High blood pressure
CBD can lead to significant improvements for some of these causes. We'll delve into this further in the next section, where we'll also refer to relevant studies.
What to do about heart arrhythmia?
The symptoms and consequences are diverse and, in some cases, profound. They include:
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Discomfort
- Fainting spells
- Shortness of breath
Untreated heart rhythm disturbances can lead to heart attacks, so this condition should not be ignored.
How can CBD help with heart arrhythmia symptoms?
We've selected three causes to focus on, with associated studies linked at the end of the page.
CBD can help with stress
A common - and increasingly prevalent - cause of heart rhythm disturbances is stress. Emotional or physical stress also affects the heart. Stress often arises from fear of these situations and can even disrupt sleep and relaxation. A mixed study confirmed improvement after CBD treatment
Cannabidiol can help with inflammation
Inflammation of the heart muscle can lead to changes in heart rhythm. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory effects in the community, and studies support the claims of many users [2].
Cannabidiol can assist with smoking cessation
Smoking is also a common cause of heart problems. The nicotine in cigarettes stimulates the release of catecholamines, which increase heart rhythm. Regular smoking damages the heart.
The calming effect of CBD, through its interaction with the nervous system, can regulate and improve this situation.
Are there any side effects of CBD?
In addition to its beneficial effects, CBD may have some occasional side effects. These include, for example, nausea, dry mouth, and sometimes diarrhea.
While these side effects are rare, it's still essential to monitor how your body responds. The following people should not take CBD:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Minors
- People taking medication - consult a doctor beforehand to check for possible interactions.
Due to its very low THC content (<0.3%), CBD products are freely available. THC, a related substance, has a psychoactive effect and can lead to addiction. Since CBD doesn't have these effects, it is legally sold and consumed.
The right CBD product for the heart
While CBD oil is commonly mentioned online, there are other ways to use cannabidiol:
- Capsules
- Creams
- Edibles
- and more
Due to its popularity, CBD oil is often discussed, as it works quickly through sublingual absorption. Applying it under the tongue allows for precise dosage. CBD oil is also favored for its practical use in heart rhythm disturbances.
And for those who want to avoid the feeling of taking medication, CBD can also be consumed in the form of gum, lozenges, or gummies. The maximum daily dose should be observed.
As a substance, CBD can be safely taken, apart from the maximum limit of 70mg daily. The effect is independent of the method of intake, meaning
- acute,
- short-term,
- and long-term
intake have the same chances of success. The amount of CBD is the crucial point, not necessarily the timing of intake. That can be chosen freely based on personal preferences.
How do I properly dose CBD for heart problems?
Even though you have the freedom to choose how and when to take it, it's essential to approach CBD dosage with caution. For a consistent effect, it's recommended to take CBD oil in the morning, midday, and evening, while considering the total amount. Start with one drop per dose, which means three drops a day. You can increase it gradually up to ten drops per dose, but the maximum amount should not exceed 30 drops. Starting with a low dose and slowly increasing it is best for the body and helps avoid overdosing.
Experiences
Since stress and anxiety are contributing factors to heart arrhythmias, we want to share a brief personal experience: "I don't suffer directly from panic attacks, but I do have a general anxiety disorder, which is somewhat comparable. CBD has helped me stay calmer in many critical situations. It doesn't eliminate it entirely, but I don't feel as overwhelmed by my emotions. Before, rational thinking was nearly impossible, and strong medications had severe side effects that I struggled with. CBD is undoubtedly a great alternative! I take it daily at the highest concentration (20%)." - (Danelito_91)
There are various short and long experiences and advice about heart arrhythmias available online. From our experience, exploring and reading about others' success stories can be interesting.
Conclusion
CBD is not a cure but rather a symptom reliever. However, it can significantly improve the underlying causes of heart arrhythmias, such as stress, anxiety, and inflammation.
If the products are of high quality, they can improve the overall condition. If you have heart problems, consider using CBD as a supplement. It has already helped many, and it would be desirable if more people could benefit from it in the future.
Could we answer your questions? Have you already had experiences with CBD and heart arrhythmias? How did you like our article? Feel free to leave a comment!
Sources
- [1] Shannon S, Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series, 2019, Perm J
- [2] Ruth Gallily et al., The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Terpenoids from Cannabis. 2018, Cannabis Cannabinoid Res
- [3] Morgan CJ et al., Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers: preliminary findings. 2016, Addict Behav