PMID: 11924555Apr 2, 2002Paper

Use of alternative pharmacotherapy in management of cardiovascular diseases

The American Journal of Managed Care
Larisa ChaganJudy W M Cheng

Abstract

To review use of alternative pharmacotherapy (AP) in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and significant drug interactions between AP and traditional CVD medications. A literature search of MEDLINE and the National Complementary and Alternative Medicine database was done using these search terms: supplements, vitamins, garlic, fish oil, L-arginine, soy, coenzyme Q10, herbs, phytosterols, chelation therapy, alternative medicine, and CVD. English human clinical trials measuring surrogate and clinical end points. Antioxidants have not been consistently proven beneficial in reducing cardiovascular mortality. Fish oils may be beneficial in patients with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, but therapeutic doses need to be defined. Use of coenzyme Q10 in patients with heart failure has not demonstrated consistent benefits. Garlic may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but also may increase bleeding, so its use in CVD patients should be monitored. Clinical studies with small sample sizes have demonstrated that L-arginine may be useful to prevent and treat CVD. The Food and Drug Administration recommends 25 g/day of soy protein as part of a diet low in saturated fats for cholesterol reduction. Plant sterols are recom...Continue Reading

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