Complementary and Alternative Medicine Modalities Impact on Cardiovascular System

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Healthcare Modalities and their Impact on the Cardiovascular System
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Complementary and Alternative Medicine Healthcare Modalities and their Impact on the Cardiovascular System
Introduction
Complementary and alternative medicine refers to the different medical practices and unincorporated healthcare systems in standard medicine. Approximately 38% of adults use the medicine's healthcare modalities. Common complementary and alternative medicine therapies include prayers, the use of natural products like omega 3, deep breathing, meditation, osteopathy, massage, yoga, diet therapies, and progressive relaxation, among others. Botanical natural products have been commonly adopted among many American households despite their overall efficacy being a matter of debate. Products like ginseng, L-arginine, hawthorn, and St. John's Wort contain a component that is of many benefits to the human body and especially the cardiovascular system. Still and all, they have underlying risks that, if assumed, may cause complications and even be fatal. This discussion focuses on the four mentioned modalities, their impact on the cardiovascular system, risk factors, and the relative patient education necessary.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a traditional plant root found in China, Korea, and parts of America, from which the most common ginseng species are used throughout the world. It is used for its healing and restorative properties that are based on the belief that it can heal all illnesses concurrent with the human body. However, it is yet to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a prescription drug and thus commonly used as a supplement.
Ginsenosides' effects on the cardiovascular system are principally attributed to the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which causes coronary endothelium dysfunction and stimulates nitric oxide synthase (NOS) synthesis. Stimulation of nitric oxide production in the endothelial cells of major blood vessels is useful in regulating blood vessel tone, vasodilation, blood pressure control, and ventricular hypertrophy. Arterial stiffness is improved by Korean red ginseng, which also improves vasomotor function. Studies show that ginseng's biochemical and pharmacological activities are beneficial for blood pressure control (Lee &Kim, 2014). Nevertheless, ginsenoside-Rg3 preserves heart function by preventing cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The property of ginseng to improve both vascular health and glycemic control is beneficial to individuals who have type-2 diabetes.
Most of the patient risks associated with ginseng are due to abuse and misuse. The incidence of adverse risks in the short-term use of ginseng is noticeably low. This, however, does not make it very safe for use. When used in higher amounts and over a long time, ginseng has adverse effects that may lead to cardiovascular risks. Long-term ginseng ingestion does not have any influence on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals (Paik &Lee, 2015). Only in rare cases does it cause allergic reactions. Additionally, the interaction of ginseng and some medicine components has b...