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Research: YEH and others,
Listed in Issue 134
Abstract
YEH and others, Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, have surveyed the use of complementary therapies inpatients with cardiovascular disease.
Background
Previous studies have suggested that patients with chronic medical conditions use CAM therapies at a higher rate than the general population. The aim of this study was to explore patterns of use of CAM therapies in patients with cardiovascular disease in the United States.
Methodology
The 2002 National Health Interview Survey was used to analyze data on CAM use in 10,572 respondents with cardiovascular disease.
Results
Among those with cardiovascular disease, 36% had used CAM (excluding prayer) in the previous 12 months. The most commonly used therapies were herbal products (18%) and mind-body therapies (17%). Among herbs, echinacea, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and glucosamine with or without chondroitin were most commonly used. Among mind-body therapies, deep-breathing exercises and meditation were most commonly used. Overall, CAM was used most frequently for musculoskeletal complaints (24% of respondents who used mind-body therapies, 22% who used herbs, 45% who used any CAM). Mind-body therapies were also used for anxiety or depression (23%) and stress or emotional health and wellness (16%). Herbs were commonly used for head and chest colds (22%). Fewer respondents (10%) used CAM specifically for their cardiovascular conditions (5% for hypertension, 2% for coronary disease, 3% for vascular insufficiency, < 1% for heart failure or stroke). Most who used CAM for their cardiovascular condition perceived the therapies to be helpful (80% for herbs, 94% for mind-body therapies). CAM use was more common in younger respondents, women, Asians, and those with more education and greater incomes.
Conclusion
CAM use, particularly herbs and mind-body therapies, is common in the United States in patients with cardiovascular disease and mirrors use in the general population. CAM use specifically to treat cardiovascular conditions, however, is less common.
References
Yeh GY, Davis RB, Phillips RS. Use of complementary therapies in patients with cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Cardiology 98 (5): 673-680, Sep 1, 2006.
