Atherosclerosis
What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a syndrome affecting arterial blood vessels. It is a chronic inflammatory response in the walls of arteries, in large part due to the accumulation of macrophage white blood cells and promoted by low density (especially small particle) lipoproteins (plasma proteins that carry cholesterol and triglycerides) without adequate removal of fats and cholesterol from the macrophages by functional high density lipoproteins (HDL), (see apoA-1 Milano). It is commonly referred to as a hardening or furring of the arteries. It is caused by the formation of multiple plaques within the arteries.
Marijuana Facts and Resources:
- Marijuana Chemical Fights Hardened Arteries “The active ingredient in marijuana that produces changes in brain messages appears to fight atherosclerosis — a hardening of the arteries.”
- Cannabis may keep arteries clear “Experiments on mice have shown that low doses of THC can prevent the build up of fatty deposits in arteries.”
- The Cannabinergic System as a Target for Anti-inflammatory Therapies “Several of these compounds were tested for their effects on immune function, and the results suggest therapeutic opportunities for a variety of inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, allergic asthma, and autoimmune diabetes through modulation of the endocannabinoid system.”
- Cannabis compound tackles blood vessel disease “The main compound in cannabis can prevent blood vessels from developing atherosclerosis, an inflammatory condition that is the primary cause of heart disease and stroke in the developed world.”
- Medical marijuana: study shows that THC slows atherosclerosis “…researchers have shown that a very small dose of THC slows the progression of atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries) in mice. It’s a pretty amazing study, especially since atherosclerosis is the leading cause of heart disease, and strokes, in the world.”
- Cardiovascular Effects of Cannabis “One of the most consistent effects of cannabis intoxication is an increased heart rate[i]. For this reason alone it would not be normally recommended for patients with cardiovascular problems. However, THC also acts as a smooth-muscle relaxant, relaxing the walls of the arteries, which can result in lower blood pressure and increased blood flow to the tissues[ii][iii]. The effect taken together is analogous to a car changing down a gear.”
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