Cardiac Impact CAM Paper Healthcare

HEALTHCARE

Healthcare: Cardiac Impact CAM Paper

The extensive use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has allowed the healthcare professional and the governmental bodies to re-think the strategies and policies that could offer a healthcare reform. It is of fundamental concern to comprehend what exactly comes under the definition of CAM. In the United States, CAM is interpreted to be an amalgamation of relaxation techniques, chiropractic, herbal treatment, and even including massage therapy (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by the American Public, 2005). This paper investigates the use of CAM healthcare modalities, such as Ginseng, Hawthorn, L-Arginine, and St. John’s Wort that impact the cardiovascular system.

Ginseng

Effect on Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system is adversely affected when diseases like hypertension, dyslipidemia, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary artery disease are endured by the patient regardless of gender (Kim, 2012). The most common form of ginseng for CAM-based cardiovascular health is Panax ginseng that is considered beneficial in China, Japan, and Korea. Ginseng has proven effective in controlling hypertension, improving arterial functioning (Shaito et al., 2020). Other CVD management techniques provided by ginseng encompass anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic attributes and its use in anti-diabetic therapy. Dropping of central and peripheral arterial pressures has been extensively studied using this herb (Shaito et al., 2020).

Anticipated Benefits

Ginseng has anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and anti-cancer properties valuable to the nervous system (Kim, 2012). In terms of cardiovascular impact, it is used for treating elevated blood pressure levels. It improves blood circulation to promote cardiovascular health due to anti-hypertensive effects (Kim, 2012). Moreover, it protects from heart tissue damage, specifically when the organ is under stressful conditions (Kim, 2012). It is therefore considered harmless in terms of side effects due to this very feature. The heart rate and functioning have been explored to improve as it inhibits cardiomyocyte hypertrophy with the help of Nhe-1 inhibition and activation of calcineurin (Kim, 2012). The positive effects of ginseng on vascular endothelial cells have been noted as well. Further, the production of nitric oxide (NO) to control vascular smooth muscle functioning is due to ginseng (Kim, 2012).

Any Identified Risks or Adverse Effects

Though there is scarce evidence on the adverse effects of ginseng on cardiovascular health, its long-term use or high dosage has been associated with hypertension in 17% of the study participants and 10% with hypotension (Paik & Lee, 2015). These results were particularly concerning cardiovascular impact alongside other negative health impacts like morning diarrhea, skin flare-up, anxiety, wakefulness, edema, decreased appetite, and depression.

Relative Patient Education

The cardiovascular patients must know that it is suggested to be taken as a whole dried root, in the form of an extract, tea, or even a capsule (Cardiology Review Online, 2004). The active compounds in its composition are ginsenosides. The suitable dosage for gaining effective results for positive cardiovascular impact is 100 to 400 mg of ginseng extract daily. For ginseng root, 1 to 2g is recommended by German Commission E daily.

Hawthorn

Effect on Cardiovascular System

The use of Hawthorn has been effective in controlling blood pressure levels, which is a critical factor for cardiovascular health. The treatment with Hawthorn, specifically for hypotension, has also been noted since it creates a lasting pressoric effect (Tassell et al., 2010). This herb has controlled mild or moderate causes of heart failure. Vaso-relaxation from nitrous stimulation and excessive anti-oxidant activities have been known to produce a healthy cardiovascular impact.

Anticipated Benefits

Its usage with vasodilatory agents in the medications has not been reported as adverse for cardiac functioning (Tassell et al., 2010). Its numerous advantageous properties like anti-arrhythmic, hypotensive, and hypolipidemic effects on cardiovascular health are still in progress for testing its long-term efficacy and potential in treating cardio ailments (Chang, Dao & Shao, 2005). Moreover, Hawthorn is believed to be efficacious in treating patients with heart failure (Rabito & Kaye, 2013). Hawthorn’s performance in symptom control and physiologic outcomes from its extract has been typically impressive for treating chronic heart failure. Also, improving the shortness of breath, especially during exercise, is apparent through better oxygen consumption and lesser fatigue. A research was conducted whose findings showed that patients who were being treated for cardiac problems and used Hawthorn for this purpose showed signs of betterment and lesser consequential cardiac deaths for left ejection fractions ranging between 25% to 35% (Rabito & Kaye, 2013).

Any Identified Risks or Adverse Effects

A research was conducted using a systematic review of the previous literature reading the use of Hawthorn and its adverse effects. It was found that for cardiovascular functioning, its mild effects could be seen in the form of circulation failure and palpitations (Daniele et al., 2006). Other adverse effects include migraine, reports of scheming, headaches, gastric complaints, dizziness, nausea, and erythematous rash. Still, there is a need for a more in-depth evaluation of its effects in terms of its dosage quantity so that better assessments for its safety usage could be recommended.

Relative Patient Education

The patients should know that the recommended daily usage of Hawthorn is 160 mg to 1800 mg; however, it could be increased for gaining greater therapeutic effectiveness (Dahmer & Scott, 2010). The standardized version from the extracts is advised that could be proposed by the physician to be taken two to three times daily. The patient should self-adhere as well as self-manage the dosage to take extra care for overdosage. Four to eight weeks are suggested for producing positive results for cardiovascular effectiveness.

L-Arginine

Effect on Cardiovascular System

L-Arginine’s most favorable cardiovascular impact is lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is an amino acid and a substrate of nitric oxide that helps regulate hypertension (Dong et al., 2011). It helps regulate cardiovascular functioning since it supports providing body sources of L-arginine induced dietary protein, endogenous synthesis, and turnover for the proteins (Bahadoran et al., 2016). A useful study in the cardiovascular field revealed that oral L-arginine helps reduce blood pressure levels and enhances cardiovascular health during traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) for patients with hypertension after walking on the traffic road for two hours (Li et al., 2021).

Anticipated Benefits

It is interesting to note that a plant-based source of L-arginine within the diet is beneficial for controlling blood pressure levels and treating cardiovascular illness in contrast to the high intake of animal-based sources that causes adverse effects on blood pressure (Bahadoran et al., 2016). The endothelial performance for ischemic heart disease patients is better with the use of L-arginine (Cziraki et al., 2020). The myocardial cell death is prevented due to the release of cGMP that was given by the infusion of L-arginine. Even after angioplasty coronary surgery, this amino acid is valuable for decreasing vascular remodeling and thickening perivascular delivery.

Any Identified Risks or Adverse Effects

In certain cases, the use of L-arginine can cause adverse effects on the cardiovascular system like a problem in L-arginine could cause heightened levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), which is a combative inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthases leading to endothelial dysfunction (Bahadoran et al., 2016). The modifications in NO homeostasis could also cause coronary heart disease.

Relative Patient Education

The patients should know about the daily diet of L-arginine, which is suggested to be 5.4g, out of which only 30 to 50% enters the human body’s circulation system (Cziraki et al., 2020). Also, it should be noted that age-associated effects of L-arginine can result in endothelial dysfunction for elderly people with myocardial infarction (Schulman et al., 2006). Also, it is endorsed that in the nonexistence of L–arginine supplements, it could be taken from foods like seafood, nuts, watermelon, red meats, protein in rice, seeds, and soy protein isolate (Albaugh & Barbul, 2017); however, not to be taken in high quantities as it does not pose good results for cardiovascular health and should be consulted with the physician first.

St. John’s Wort

Effect on Cardiovascular System

St. John Wort has been regularly used to treat depression symptoms, which directly affect the cardiovascular system (Bonaterra et al., 2020). Since depression causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure levels, it can adversely affect cardiovascular functioning (American Heart Association, 2021). If these conditions continue for a longer period, then there is a high risk of developing heart diseases, for which St. John Wort is suggested in alleviating depressive symptoms.

Anticipated Benefits

St. John Wort’s evident effects directly on the cardiovascular system are limited since literature has scarce confirmation. Ten different chemicals affect it differently to mitigate depression, but studies have not shown each component’s working individually (Maidment, 2000). Although it is known that St. John Wort enables inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO), confirmation is still to come. The combined action of serotonin, y-ainobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine are possible on numerous transmitters, leading to a joint anti-depressant effect (Maidment, 2000). Additionally, it has been examined that the use of St. John Wort is beneficial for decreasing cholesterol levels and total cholesterol as well, sleep disturbances are relieved. Anxiety disorders are managed well (Eggertsen, Andreasson & Andren, 2009).