Custom Search

Register
Sign In
Sign In Using Facebook

Herbal Remedies Not a Good Idea For Heart Patients; Dangerous Drug Interactions Possible

by Tanya on  February 03, 2010 at 8:56 AM Alternative Medicine News
  •   Print
  •   Share
  •   Comments
  •  Text 
 Herbal Remedies Not a Good Idea For Heart Patients; Dangerous Drug Interactions Possible
Alternative medicine has caught the imagination of more and more Americans who are turning to herbal remedies to help manage chronic conditions or promote general health and wellness. But experts advise that such subscribers should be aware of its other effects also.


Many of today's popular herbal supplements, including St. John's wort, gingko biloba, garlic and even grapefruit juice can pose serious risks to people who are taking medications for heart disease, according to a review article published in the February, 9, 2010, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The use of these products is especially concerning among elderly patients who typically have co-morbidities, take multiple medications and are already at greater risk of bleeding, according to authors.

"Many people have a false sense of security about these herbal products because they are seen as 'natural,'" Arshad Jahangir, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Consultant Cardiologist, Mayo Clinic Arizona, adding that more than 15 million Americans reportedly use herbal remedies or high-dose vitamins. "But 'natural' doesn't always mean they are safe. Every compound we consume has some effect on the body, which is, in essence, why people are taking these products to begin with."

In addition to their direct effects on body function, these herbs can interact with medications used to treat heart disease, either reducing their effectiveness or increasing their potency, which may lead to bleeding or a greater risk for serious cardiac arrhythmias.

Page 1 Page 1 | 2  Next
 Email Email   RSS Feeds RSS Feeds   Print this page Print   Save this page Save   Link Link   Syndicate Syndicate   Comments Comments   Bookmark and Share
 
Comment & Contribute
Be the first to comment!
Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. Comments are normally moderated and are reviewed after they are posted.
* Your comment can be maximum of 2500 characters

Notify me when reply is posted
I agree to the terms and conditions
  

X

Medwonders Health Network

  • Health News Index
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Cardiology - Free Access to 65 Most Accessed Articles
News Archive
Date :
Category :
Keyword :
Quiz on Heart
A quiz on heart to learn more about its functions.
  • News Quick Links
News Central Health Watch
Latest Health News Health In Focus
News Category (500+) Breaking Health News
Popular News Celebrating Life
Health News and Press Release Medindia - Exclusive
News Photo Gallery India Special
News Video Gallery Lifestyle and Wellness
News From Other Resources
News Categories:  
Vision Health Center

Alternative Medicine Related News

» Botanical Formula Suppresses Prostate Cancer Growth » Parkinson's Patients Doing Tai Chi Achieve Better Balance: Study
» Toilet Yoga Offers Relief From Backaches! » Health Benefits of Massage
» Skin Hydration may be Improved by French Maritime Pine Bark Extract » Kiwi Docs Say Natural Health Products are a Waste of Time and Money
» 'Yoga can Damage Your Body'- Says an Article from NYT » Traditional Chinese Remedies May Pump Up Fertility Treatments
Read More >>