Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and the Heart: Exploring the Potential Impacts of LSD on Cardiovascular Function.
Cureus July 1, 2025 Akshita Suleria, Sakshi Verma, Khanij Arya et al.
LSD acts primarily on 5-HT2A receptors in the brain and periphery, producing psychedelic effects. Although acute ingestion raises heart rate and blood pressure, and large recreational doses can cause cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, chronic peripheral antagonism of 5-HT2A receptors may reduce atherosclerosis and thrombosis by decreasing platelet aggregation and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Central sympathetic stimulation from microdosing LSD may also reduce chronic inflammation, a contributor to cardiovascular disease, through anti-inflammatory effects and increased cortical synaptogenesis.