CBD and tachycardia: What does research say?

CBD is a cannabis compound that offers numerous therapeutic possibilities in different areas of health. Some recent research suggests that it could have a very positive effect on heart function and, more specifically, on heart rate.  What is the relationship between CBD and tachycardia? Below, we clarify everything for you.

What is tachycardia

Tachycardia is a highly uncomfortable condition that can arise due to various factors, including stress and anxiety, fever, heart conditions, or the consumption of certain substances. Typically, an adult’s heart at rest beats between 60 and 100 times per minute. However, when tachycardia occurs, the heart chambers contract much faster, which makes pumping less efficient. As a result, blood flow is reduced, leading to decreased oxygenation throughout the body. Furthermore, tachycardia is often accompanied by additional symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, making it even more distressing.

CBD and tachycardia

The relationship between CBD and heart rate is currently being studied, with some promising findings suggesting its potential as a treatment for arrhythmias and tachycardias. Specifically, cannabidiol (CBD) possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may have a beneficial impact on individuals suffering from atrial fibrillation—a relatively common type of arrhythmia.

CBD also helps reduce anxiety, which can be beneficial in cases of tachycardia related to stress. Similarly, it is believed that this cannabis compound may work in cases of bradycardia, which is an abnormally slow heart rate.

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Additionally, cannabidiol appears to be an ally in situations of palpitations, that sensation where the heart seems to be beating too hard or too fast. These are often related to stress and anxiety, so the calming effect of CBD may help reduce these cardiac discomforts. 

Cannabis and tachycardia

Unlike CBD, marijuana can indeed cause tachycardia, which can lead to confusion regarding cannabis use and heart health. Therefore, it is important to clarify that the fundamental difference lies in the cannabinoid compound. 

Marijuana is rich in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance that produces psychotropic effects. This cannabinoid interferes with the body’s endocannabinoid system and can alter the function of receptors, changing bodily functions such as sleep, hunger, pain, and the cardiovascular system.

How THC acts in the body

One of the symptoms resulting from this alteration is an increase in heart rate, which can increase by 20% to 100% for a couple of hours or more. This is because marijuana dilates blood vessels, which is also why it causes the redness of the eyes that often reveals cannabis users. When blood vessels expand, blood pressure drops, often accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, and tachycardia. 

How CBD helps heart health

Cannabidiol, or CBD, which is extracted from hemp rather than marijuana, is a cannabinoid that has no psychoactive effects at all. Additionally, as we have seen, it may support heart health, as it is capable of reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation that causes artery narrowing. 

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CB2 Receptors

But how does CBD work to alleviate these problems? The key lies in our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). There is still ongoing research, but it is known that this system is closely related to heart health and activates when it detects a state of imbalance or stress. The ECS also has receptors located directly in the heart, specifically CB and non-CB receptors. Among the cannabinoid receptors, there are two main types, CB1 and CB2, in addition to endocannabinoid receptors. Here, we focus on CB2 receptors, which interact with cannabidiol. Some studies suggest that activating these receptors may lead to improvements in cases of ischemia and atherosclerosis. 

Anandamide

CBD also interacts with anandamide (AEA), a neurotransmitter known as the “bliss molecule” because it relates to emotional well-being. A 2001 study by the University of Cambridge found that this substance may play a crucial role in relaxing arteries. The problem is that this endocannabinoid remains in the body for a short time; however, it opens up a research path for potential cardiovascular treatments.

CBD Oil for the heart and stress

Therefore, cannabidiol possesses a set of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties that directly or indirectly benefit heart health and may help relieve tachycardia issues. Dosages vary widely, and there are several methods of administration.

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There are different types of CBD oils with various concentration levels ranging from 5% to 30%. The recommended dosages usually range between 150 mg and 300 mg per day, divided into several doses to maintain the effect throughout the day.

Studies on CBD and tachycardia

Here are some published studies on the relationship between cannabidiol (CBD) and cardiovascular health:

• “A systematic review on the pharmacological activities of cannabidiol and its potential therapeutic effects in cardiovascular disorders”. Published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2020).
• “Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for ischemia-reperfusion injury”. Published in Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics (2012).
• “The cardiovascular effects of cannabidiol (CBD)”. Published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (2013).
• “Cannabidiol reduces infarct size and myocardial inflammation in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion injury”. Published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2015).
• “The protective role of cannabidiol in a mouse model of diabetic cardiomyopathy”. Published in Molecular Medicine Reports (2018).

As you can see, CBD not only does not cause tachycardia, but it is also capable of alleviating it and regulating heart rate.