What You Should Know About Marijuana and High Blood Pressure
Denise Mann, MS
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Marijuana and high blood pressure
More and more states are legalizing marijuana for medical and/or recreational use. However, if you are one of the millions of people with high blood pressure, you should probably proceed with caution when it comes to marijuana.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. It is called a silent killer as there are often no symptoms until it has started to affect your heart or other organs. Stage 1 hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure reading of 130-139 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and a diastolic reading of 80-89 mm Hg. Stage 2 hypertension is 140 mm Hg or higher and 90 mm Hg or higher. (A blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal.)