In a nutshell
This study compared blood pressure (BP) in older adults, before and after using medicinal cannabis for three months. It found that using medical cannabis resulted in a reduction of BP.
Some background
Medicinal cannabis such as cannabidiol use is increasing, particularly amongst older adults. It is often prescribed for patients with chronic pain, nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, neurologic conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. However, it is not clear how cannabis affects heart-related risk factors such as blood pressure.
Methods & findings
This study included 26 patients with high BP that were prescribed medicinal cannabis. Patients' BP was measured by 24 hour monitor, before treatment and three months after starting medicinal cannabis. Patients were already using BP-lowering medications.
After 3 months, systolic BP (BP when the heart beats) was reduced by an average of 5 mmHg. Diastolic BP (BP when the heart relaxes between beats) was also reduced by an average of 4.5 mmHg. No significant side effects were reported.
The bottom line
This study showed that the use of medical cannabis resulted in a reduction in BP in older adults.
The fine print
This study did not include a comparison group who were not using cannabis. Also, the number of participants and follow-up period were very small. Further larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. Cannabis is not approved for medical use all around the world and is important to be used only after medical advice.
Published By :
European journal of internal medicine
Date :
Jan 20, 2021
