Cannabis affects heart rate, vasomotor function, blood pressure, cardiac output and cerebral blood flow. Describe each of these changes. Heart Rate: Acutely after cannabis consumption, an individual may experience tachycardia. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cannabis consumption can raise the heart rate by 20-100% shortly after smoking and this increase in heart rate can last up to three hours. Interestingly, some individuals who have consumed cannabis long-term experience bradycardia. Peripheral Circulation: Cannabis consumption causes vasodilation of the peripheral vessels. As a result, postural hypotension may develop. Cardiac Output: Cardiac output increases after cannabis consumption. Cerebral Blood Flow: Initially, there is an increase in cerebral blood flow. With chronic use, however, there is a decrease in cerebral blood flow.
Posted on: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 14:46:21 +0000