What Does Kratom Do To The Heart?

What Does Kratom Do To The Heart? Understanding The Potential Risks And Benefits

Kratom, a natural supplement derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, has intrigued wellness enthusiasts for its diverse effects. Although popular for its analgesic and mood-enhancing properties, it’s crucial to understand how Kratom may influence heart health. 

Potential Benefits

Some users of Kratom report experiencing increased energy and improved mood,¹ which may indirectly benefit heart health by reducing stress levels and promoting physical activity. Kratom’s ability to enhance a sense of well-being could potentially assist individuals in managing lifestyle factors that contribute to cardiovascular risk.

Possible Risks

Conversely, Kratom’s interaction with cardiovascular function warrants caution. Some research suggests that high doses of Kratom may elevate heart rate and blood pressure, posing a risk for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.² The active compounds in Kratom, primarily mitragynine, interact with various receptors in the body, which could lead to cardiac issues if consumed irresponsibly.

Is Kratom Safe For Your Heart? Examining The Effects Of Low And High Doses

When examining the relationship between kratom and heart health, it’s crucial to consider dosage levels as a significant factor influencing its effects. Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, contains alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with receptors in the brain and body, potentially affecting cardiovascular function.

Low Doses And Heart Health

At lower doses, kratom is generally reported to have mild stimulant effects. Users may experience increased energy levels, alertness, and heightened well-being. These effects are similar to caffeine, which can cause a slight heart rate and increased blood pressure.

In healthy adults, such changes are typically temporary and not of substantial concern. However, individuals with pre-existing heart conditions should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals before using kratom, even at low doses.

High Doses And Cardiovascular Concerns

The effects of kratom at higher doses can be more complex. Higher doses may lead to sedation, which could have a calming effect on the heart by potentially lowering heart rate and blood pressure.³

However, some reports suggest that excessive intake might be associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Elevated doses could place additional strain on the heart, potentially leading to palpitations, increased blood pressure, or arrhythmias in susceptible individuals.³

What Does Kratom Do To The Heart In People With Pre-Existing Conditions?

Kratom is a plant that interacts with the body’s opioid receptors, and while it may offer pain relief, energy, or mood elevation, its impact on the heart can vary depending on individual health factors, particularly for those already dealing with heart issues.

Kratom And Heart Function In General

For most people, kratom can affect the heart in both positive and negative ways. In some cases, it can cause an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) and blood pressure, as well as feelings of jitteriness or restlessness.³ These effects are generally mild in healthy individuals, but for those with a weakened cardiovascular system, these changes may potentially lead to more serious complications.

People With Pre-Existing Heart Conditions

For individuals with heart problems like high blood pressure, arrhythmias, or heart disease, kratom may exacerbate existing conditions. Here’s why:

• Increased Heart Rate: Kratom has been shown to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which can cause an increase in heart rate.⁴ For someone with pre-existing heart conditions like arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), this can increase the risk of heart palpitations, dizziness, or even more serious issues.⁴
• Dehydration And Electrolyte Imbalance: Kratom can sometimes cause dehydration, especially when used in higher doses. For those with heart conditions, dehydration can lead to low blood volume, which makes the heart work harder to pump blood and increases the risk of arrhythmias or even heart failure.³
• Risk Of Drug Interactions: If you are already taking medication to manage a heart condition, kratom can interact with certain drugs, like beta-blockers or blood thinners, possibly reducing their effectiveness or leading to unexpected side effects.

Symptoms To Watch For: Heart Palpitations And Chest Pain

Understanding the potential effects of Kratom on the heart is crucial, especially for those who value their cardiovascular health. Two notable symptoms to be aware of are heart palpitations and chest pain. These can manifest in individuals who may be sensitive to the active compounds in Kratom or who consume it in large doses.

• Heart Palpitations: This condition is characterized by the sensation of a pounding or racing heartbeat. Some may feel like the heart is skipping beats or fluttering. While heart palpitations can be harmless, especially if they occur infrequently, persistent or severe palpitations should prompt an immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. They could be indicative of underlying heart conditions or the body’s adverse reaction to Kratom intake.
• Chest Pain: Experiencing chest pain can be alarming and is a symptom that should never be ignored. When related to Kratom usage, chest pain could range from mild discomfort to severe pain, potentially signaling strain on the cardiovascular system. As with heart palpitations, any incidence of chest pain warrants professional medical evaluation to rule out serious cardiac issues.

Does Kratom Affect Heart Function? How To Choose The Right Dosage For Safety

Kratom’s influence on heart function primarily revolves around dose-dependent stimulant properties. In lower doses, kratom may act as a mild stimulant, potentially increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Users should know that these stimulating properties might pose risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. Conversely, at higher doses, kratom can have sedative effects, which could lead to relaxed muscle tone and a slower heart rate.

Choosing The Right Dosage For Safety

The importance of dosing cannot be overstated when using kratom, especially concerning heart health. Start with a low dose to gauge the body’s response and avoid sudden changes in dosage that could stress the cardiovascular system. Here are some guidelines for selecting the appropriate kratom dosage:

• Start With A Low Dose: If you’re new to kratom or have any cardiovascular concerns, always start with the smallest effective dose. This allows you to assess how your body responds before increasing the dosage. A typical starting dose is around 1-5 grams.
• Increase Gradually: You can gradually increase the dosage if you tolerate the initial dose well and don’t experience any negative cardiovascular effects (such as an elevated heart rate or feeling jittery). However, keep your doses low to moderate — typically no more than 4 to 5 grams daily. Anything higher can increase the risk of side effects, including heart function-related.
• Consider Strain Type: Kratom comes in various strains (such as red, green, and white), and different strains can affect your body in different ways. Generally, white and green strains are more stimulating, which might substantially impact heart rate, while red strains tend to be more relaxing. Choose a strain that aligns with your desired effects and is less likely to trigger an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
• Hydrate Well: Since kratom can cause dehydration, make sure to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can strain your heart and lead to issues with blood circulation, so staying hydrated is essential when using kratom.

How To Safely Use Kratom For Heart Health: Tips For Minimizing Risks

Understanding how to safely incorporate Kratom into your wellness routine while being mindful of heart health is crucial. Here are some tips to help you minimize risks:

• Consult With A Healthcare Professional: Before starting Kratom, speak with your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing heart conditions or are taking heart medications. They can provide insights on safe usage tailored to your health profile.
• Start With Small Doses: Begin with the lowest effective dose to assess how your body responds. Gradually adjust as needed, taking care to stay within recommended limits.
• Monitor Your Heart Health: Pay close attention to changes in your heart rate or blood pressure. If you experience irregular heartbeats or other cardiovascular symptoms, stop usage and seek medical advice.
• Choose Quality Products: Choose Kratom from reputable brands like Pure CBD, which prioritize quality and transparency. Products should come with third-party lab results, ensuring they meet safety standards.
• Understand Potential Interactions: Be aware of how Kratom may interact with other substances, including alcohol and certain medications, which can affect heart health.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with new research and guidelines regarding Kratom use and heart health. Pure CBD Now offers educational resources that can help you make informed decisions.

Shop Safe Kratom At Pure CBD Now

When it comes to selecting Kratom products, safety and quality are paramount. At Pure CBD Now, we prioritize these values by providing only the highest quality Kratom products that align with our stringent standards. Our Kratom offerings undergo rigorous third-party lab testing to ensure purity and potency, meeting the same criteria as our renowned CBD and Delta 8 selections. This commitment to quality allows you to shop confidently, knowing each product is safe and effective.

We understand that exploring Kratom as a wellness option might be a new journey for many. Our extensive range includes products like the potent 7-OH Kratom, renowned for its strong pain relief properties. As always, we commit to transparency, providing full lab results and Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for all our products. This dedication ensures that you receive only the best Kratom with verified quality.

Whether you are a seasoned Kratom user or just beginning your exploration into alternative wellness products, our selection at Pure CBD Now delivers both quality and peace of mind. Enjoy the benefits of Kratom with the assurance of safe and transparent practices brought to you by a trusted leader in the industry.

Read Also:

• Is Kratom Safe? Benefits And Risks Explained
• How To Use Kratom Safely: Dos And Don’ts
• Kratom Side Effects: Risks And What To Expect

Sources:

1. Hossain, R., Sultana, A., Manit Nuinoon, Kunwadee Noonong, Jitbanjong Tangpong, Kazi Helal Hossain, & Md Atiar Rahman. (2023). A Critical Review of the Neuropharmacological Effects of Kratom: An Insight from the Functional Array of Identified Natural Compounds. Molecules, 28(21), 7372–7372. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28217372
2. Chichagi, F., Alikhani, R., & Beigi Harchegani, A. (2024). Cardiovascular health in kratom users; a narrative review. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 42(4), 313–325. https://doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2023.2282033
3. Leong Bin Abdullah, M. F. I., & Singh, D. (2021). The Adverse Cardiovascular Effects and Cardiotoxicity of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.): A Comprehensive Review. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.726003