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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

The use of complementary and alternative medicine by people with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review

Authors: Suzanne J Grant, Yu Sun Bin, Hosen Kiat, Dennis Hsu-Tung Chang

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Background

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may offer benefits as well as risks to people with cardiovascular disease. Understanding the prevalence and the nature of CAM use will encourage beneficial CAM therapies, prevent potential herb-drug interactions and foster communication between patients and physicians.

Methods

A systematic search of eight bibliographic databases was conducted for studies that investigated CAM use in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Two independent reviewers selected relevant abstracts and evaluated the quality of included studies.

Results

Twenty-seven studies were included. Prevalence of CAM use in cardiac patients ranged from 4% - 61%. Biologically-based therapies usage ranged from 22% to 68%. Herbal medicines were used by between 2% and 46%. A large proportion of patients did not inform medical practitioners about their CAM use and up to 90% of treating physicians did not discuss CAM use with their patients.

Conclusions

CAM use in patients with cardiovascular disease appears common. The findings suggest that the effects of CAM on medical management of cardiovascular disease may be overlooked and that patient-physician communication need to be strengthened.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
The use of complementary and alternative medicine by people with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review
Authors
Suzanne J Grant
Yu Sun Bin
Hosen Kiat
Dennis Hsu-Tung Chang
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-299

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