At Pharmtrue, we believe that managing your health goes beyond just taking medication. It’s about understanding your body, lifestyle, and personal needs. Recently, I worked with Bob Parker (name changed for privacy), a 68-year-old patient, to help him manage his blood pressure and anxiety using a holistic yet clinical approach that included CBD oil. His case shows how working with a skilled pharmacist to optimize health with natural solutions can be incredibly beneficial.
Bob’s Health Journey: Stress, Blood Pressure, and Anxiety
Bob came to me after a hospital stay where his blood pressure had spiked dangerously high to 225 mmHg. Even though it was brought down to 150 mmHg, he was still struggling with readings as high as 190 mmHg when we met. He had become so anxious about his blood pressure that he was checking it constantly, which only added more stress and made things worse.
Bob was already on two blood pressure medications—Lisinopril and Amlodipine—but he felt they weren’t enough. He was anxious about his health and wanted a more natural way to manage both his stress and blood pressure. He also had concerns about using THC due to his 40-year recovery from alcoholism, but he was open to CBD for stress management.
Why CBD and Blood Pressure May Go Hand-in-Hand
During our consultation, we discussed how CBD could help lower Bob’s stress, which would likely improve his blood pressure. Research suggests that CBD and blood pressure are closely linked—by reducing anxiety, CBD can indirectly help lower blood pressure. For Bob, this was an ideal option because it wouldn’t give him the psychoactive effects of THC, which he wanted to avoid.
Here’s how we set up his plan:
- High-Dose CBD Therapy: We recommended starting Bob on 200mg of CBD twice daily, taken under the tongue with a high-fat snack to help absorption. This dose was aimed at reducing his stress and indirectly helping with blood pressure. Since Bob was avoiding THC, we focused on isolated CBD to give him the calming benefits without any psychoactive effects.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: One of Bob’s biggest stressors was constantly checking his blood pressure. We recommended he limit checks to twice a day—once before taking his medication and again two hours afterward. This cut down on the stress of seeing frequent spikes and allowed him to focus on other ways to lower his anxiety.
Medication Management: A Safe Combination
Bob was already on two medications—Lisinopril and Amlodipine. We assured him there was no significant drug interaction between CBD and blood pressure medications, but we advised that he monitor for any additional drop in blood pressure, which in his case could be helpful. If his blood pressure stayed high despite these steps, there was still the possibility of switching him to other medications, such as a beta blocker or a diuretic, but that would be a decision made after follow-up.
Lifestyle Changes for Better Health
Beyond the CBD therapy, we made a few other key recommendations to help Bob take control of his blood pressure:
- Potassium-Based Salt Substitute: Bob had already cut down on his sodium intake, but we recommended he switch to a potassium-based salt substitute. Potassium can help relax blood vessels, which is key to lowering blood pressure. This small change can make a big difference.
- Breathing Techniques: Bob was practicing Wim Hof breathing exercises daily, which can be great for managing stress. We encouraged him to continue and even increase his focus on this method, as it can complement the effects of CBD on blood pressure.
- Counseling and Neurocycling: To help with his anxiety, we referred Bob to a local counselor. We also suggested neurocycling techniques to help him process past traumas and reduce his overall stress.
Why Working with a Pharmacist Matters
Many people think pharmacists only dispense medication, but at Pharmtrue, we go beyond that. In Bob’s case, we looked at his entire lifestyle, medications, and stress triggers to come up with a comprehensive plan. Managing CBD and blood pressure effectively requires a personalized approach, and that’s what we offer.
Take Control of Your Health Today
Bob’s case is just one example of how working closely with a pharmacist can lead to better health outcomes. If you’ve been struggling with managing your blood pressure, anxiety, or other health concerns, it might be time to explore new options. At Pharmtrue, we focus on personalized care that fits your needs.
Don’t let stress and high blood pressure control your life. Schedule a consultation today by calling us at 575-993-5243 and let us help you find the right plan for your health.
Key Takeaways:
- CBD and blood pressure management can go hand-in-hand when used correctly, especially in reducing anxiety-related hypertension.
- Personalized care that focuses on lifestyle changes, such as diet and stress management, can greatly improve health outcomes.
- Working with a pharmacist offers more than just medication—it provides tailored strategies that can transform your health.