Use of Japanese Herbal Kampo Medicine in Patients With Acute Cardiovascular Disease　― A 12-Year Nationwide Cohort Analysis ―

Abstract

2020. 4 These recent policies reflect the need for improvement in the management of cardiovascular disease.Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is defined as a broad set of healthcare practices that are not part of conventional medicine, with the use of CAM increasing worldwide in recent decades. 5 CAM is used for patients with cardiovascular diseases despite limited evidence regarding its efficacy. 6,7 Studies on the prevalence of CAM use are warranted to assess the implications of CAM for contemporary healthcare systems and to determine the need for research and education on CAM. 8 Kampo medicine, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine formulated using natural agents based on traditional Chinese medicine, T he socioeconomic burden of cardiovascular diseases has been increasing worldwide. 1 In Japan, cardiovascular diseases are the second leading cause of death after cancer, accounting for approximately 15% of deaths. 2 Moreover, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases have been associated with the highest medical expenses in Japan (JPY6.1 trillion=approximately USD44 billion; 19% of total medical costs in 2021). 3 To improve these circumstances, the Cerebrovascular and Cardiovascular Disease Control Act of the Japanese national law was enacted in December 2018, and the Japanese National Plan for Promotion of Measures Against Cerebrovascular and Cardiovascular Disease was published in October