Study of Cardiovascular Patients Reveals Majority Use Alternative Medicine

HALIFAX - Of over 100 cardiovascular patients surveyed, nearly 65 percent use some form or complementary or alternative medicine, a study has found. According to the study, the surprisingly high percentage is cause for concern.

photo-6"In particular, unsupervised use of herbal medicines by patients with active coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure or those requiring oral anticoagulants could be dangerous because of potential drug-drug interactions or adverse reactions," the study notes.

The growing popularity of alternative medicine coupled with the increasing complexity of conventional cardiovascular therapeutic regimens brings about the potential for "disastrous adverse interactions," the researchers warn.

Principal investigator …