High blood pressure – It’s the last thing you want to hear your doctor mention to you. High blood pressure can end up leading to several different health complications. From heart failure to stroke and heart disease, high blood pressure can end up causing lots of problems down the line. For those who use marijuana frequently, the question may remain: does marijuana affect blood pressure?
Having high blood pressure can be the result of different actions and activities throughout the day. High blood pressure can become a problem if it is left untreated. It is also something that millions of Americans face every single year. While there are many effects to using marijuana, some researchers have pointed to a potential connection between marijuana and blood pressure.
While it is a widely used drug, Marijuana can have negative consequences on a person’s life if they become dependent on it. Many people don’t realize that you can become addicted to marijuana. A person may even feel withdrawal effects when not using. If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana or another drug addiction, get help today at Coastal Detox.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is considered the force of blood when traveling through your arteries (after being pumped from the heart). Chances are you’ve probably checked your own blood pressure at some point but what exactly do the numbers mean? Typically a blood pressure reading consists of two stacked numbers. The top number is the pressure your heart is contracting (referred to as your systolic blood pressure). The bottom number is the pressure in between your heartbeats (referred to as your diastolic blood pressure).
These two numbers are crucial to understanding your blood pressure reading. Normal blood pressure is considered to be around 120/80 or lower. It’s important to know your own blood pressure with an accurate reading. High blood pressure can be a real problem down the line if you aren’t aware of it.
A Look at High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure occurs when the blood is pressing against the artery walls with too much force. In regards to a high blood pressure reading, 140/90 is considered high blood pressure. One of the tricky things about high blood pressure is that those who have it may not experience any symptoms. This is why high blood pressure is associated with being the ‘silent killer’. Whether symptoms appear or not, high blood pressure can end up causing major issues in the future so it’s important to keep an eye on your blood pressure.
Risk of High Blood Pressure
It’s important to take the proper steps sooner rather than later when it comes to high blood pressure. There are several long-term risks that could be fatal if high blood pressure is not resolved. These can include the following:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Vascular dementia
- Peripheral arterial disease
The Connection Between Marijuana and Blood Pressure
Different studies have been used to answer the question – does marijuana affect blood pressure? The short answer is it can; however, this depends on how much marijuana is being used. Using large amounts of marijuana can have a much greater impact on blood pressure than if a person uses a smaller amount. This is why it’s best for those dealing with high blood pressure to stay away from using marijuana heavily.
While marijuana and blood pressure may have a connection, marijuana is actually linked to dropping blood pressure in some cases. Marijuana usage can create a shift in blood pressure (known as orthostatic hypotension), which occurs when a person switches from sitting to standing. Additionally, a person may still have high blood pressure even if they experience orthostatic hypotension.
Ultimately, the connection between marijuana and blood pressure has been an unknown one as only a small amount of evidence and research exists. When it comes to marijuana and cardiovascular disease the same holds true. A past study found there was little connection between marijuana and cardiovascular disease. However, marijuana may still have the potential to increase the chances of a heart attack and high blood pressure.
The Indirect Effects of Marijuana and Blood Pressure
While the connection between marijuana and blood pressure may not be as supported, it is no question that marijuana can indirectly impact blood pressure. Those who use marijuana may have an increased appetite, which could result in impulsive or unhealthy food habits. Someone may begin to eat salty or fatty foods more often which can lead to high blood pressure. A poor and unhealthy diet is one of the common risk factors for blood pressure in a person.
It’s essential to be careful when using marijuana – it is recommended that you speak with a doctor or medical professional just in case. Marijuana may have an impact on your blood pressure and cardiovascular system. Using marijuana if you already have high blood pressure may be risky and dangerous in some cases. Since the link between marijuana and blood pressure is unclear – possible consequences like a stroke or heart attack may still be in the cards. This is why it’s best to use marijuana with caution as well as speaking with your doctor beforehand.
The Effects of Marijuana
Now that you know how marijuana affects blood pressure, it’s important to know the risks and effects of marijuana addiction. Marijuana is one of the most widely used depressants out on the market today. What many people don’t realize is that you can end up building up a tolerance and possible addiction to marijuana.
The debate between marijuana addiction is real or not continues to be discussed in many communities. In the end, marijuana addiction is looked at differently from other addictions like heroin or cocaine. Marijuana is not considered ‘addictive’ like those drugs. However, marijuana can be habit-forming after continued use.
Marijuana can also end up causing other indirect effects like respiratory problems and declined cognitive functions. As discussed, there also may be a connection between marijuana and blood pressure as well. While there are no definite withdrawal symptoms due to marijuana not being an ‘addictive’ drug, a person may be psychologically stressed if they aren’t able to use it. Other symptoms and side effects may include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Trouble concentrating
- Possible cardiovascular issues down the line
Getting Marijuana and Drug Addiction Treatment
Now that you know the connection between marijuana and blood pressure (along with its other effects), it’s time to figure out if you or a loved one may need help. Habit-forming drugs like marijuana and other more severe drugs like heroin, alcohol, or even prescription drugs can be problematic in the long run. It’s important to figure out if you or your loved ones may be dealing with an addiction. Centers like Coastal Detox are available to help you get to a better place in your life and your addiction.
There are many different types of treatment for drug addiction in general. The type of treatment needed depends on several factors such as:
- Age
- The drug of addiction
- How long the drug has been used
- How much is becoming consumed when the drug is used
- Other underlying conditions or mental disorders (co-occurring disorders)
Once these factors have been determined, the person can move on to more comprehensive treatment help. At Coastal Detox we help you take the first step in your journey towards recovery. Let’s take a look at one of our main services – detoxification.
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification (or detox for short) is almost always the first step in the addiction recovery journey. Drug addiction can be a complex and emotional experience. Detox is usually the first step because it rids the body of all toxic substances (whether it be marijuana, alcohol, or other drugs). Additionally, detox helps to tame some of the withdrawal symptoms and cravings that arise after a person stops using a drug.
Detox can be an unpredictable and dangerous process without the proper help. This is why a medically assisted detoxification is always recommended. At Coastal Detox we offer consistent support and guidance through the process. This is a vital step to sobriety and long-term recovery, so making sure it goes smoothly and comfortably is important. You should never try to detox alone as the result could end up being dangerous.
How Can Coastal Detox Help You Today?
Marijuana and blood pressure may still be a questionable pair but addiction and stressful life are certainly a negative combination that can affect anyone who suffers from substance abuse. Thankfully, we can help you here at Coastal Detox.
Located in Stuart, Florida, our detox center offers many different options for you and your loved ones to thrive and accomplish a better life. Whether you need residential treatment or telehealth therapy, our team is ready to help. Don’t wait for addiction to destroy you and your loved ones’ life, now is the time to get help. Give us a call today to learn how you can turn your life around today!