Alternative Therapies for Chronic Cardiovascular Conditions

Alternative therapies are medical treatments used instead of traditional ones. Intuitively, therapies used to facilitate management of cardiovascular disease may offer benefits and risks to the patients. Reportedly, cardiovascular conditions are some of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality across the world. Therefore, this paper describes an instance where alternative therapies were used to treat chronic cardiovascular conditions.

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A study by Grant, Bin, Kiat and Chang (2012) revealed that alternative therapies have been used in several countries such as Australia, US, Canada, Italy, India, Korea, Nigeria, Spain, and turkey. The literature revealed that in Australia, the therapy was used to facilitate management of acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions. The study indicated that the overall usage of biologically based therapies in the country ranged from 22% to 68%. Here, the physicians used both biologically-based therapies, as well as, herbal medicines to treat cardiovascular conditions. Herbal medicine contained vitamins and minerals thus were effective in treating cardiovascular conditions. From the literature, it was reported that patients suffering from cardiovascular conditions utilized herbs such as garlic, ginger, and ginseng to control their heart conditions. The patients also used vitamin, minerals and other dietary supplements such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, Vitamin E, Calcium, Magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 to treat cardiovascular conditions that they were suffering from. Similarly, Rabito and Kaye (2013) noted that for quick treatment of their conditions, patients used mind-body therapies such as breathing and meditation. Reportedly, the therapies encompassed relaxation, deep-breathing exercises, prayer, hypnosis, and imagery relaxation, and hypnosis. The literature indicated that the technique was effective since it produced the natural relaxation response for the body thus making it possible to manage the chronic heart conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using alternative therapies has benefits and risks to patients suffering from cardiovascular conditions. Patients using alternative therapies believe that techniques have therapeutic benefits, making them feel safe. Therefore, patients should be educated on the use of alternative therapies. Similarly, further studies should be carried out to determine the impact of alternative therapies when used together with conventional medicine.

References

Grant, S. J., Bin, Y. S., Kiat, H., & Chang, D. H. T. (2012). The use of complementary and alternative medicine by people with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. BMC public health, 12(1), 299.

Rabito, M. J., & Kaye, A. D. (2013). Complementary and alternative medicine and cardiovascular disease: an evidence-based review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.