Use of OTC and Herbal Products in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Canadian patients with cardiovascular disease commonly report the use of herbal products and vitamins. Allied health professionals need to be aware of the widespread use of these products and their potential for adverse reactions and drug interactions.

Complementary and alternative medicine: a survey of its use in pediatric cardiology

“…In a Canadian study of patients with cardiovascular disease, 38% used vitamins and 17% used herbal products. 4 Because these patients are often simultaneously prescribed conventional medications, interactions between drugs and natural health products are of particular concern.…”

Antacid Preparation Induced Erythematous Skin Rashes: A Case Report.

“…As it was a fixed dose combination, the adverse effect could not be ascertained to any particular component of the preparation. Even though antacid induced rashes are documented in some pharmacovigilance studies, [11,12] case reports highlighting about antacid preparation induced cutaneous rashes are sparse. With polypharmacy prescription in practice, sometimes it becomes difficult to pinpoint the offending agent.…”

Effects of garlic on platelet biochemistry and physiology

“…Platelets can be activated by physiological and non-physiological molecules, and once activated lead to shape change, aggregation, stimulation of secretory processes and finally the liberation of arachidonic acid, which is rapidly converted to prostaglandin and lipoxygenase products. The activated platelets release mediators such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF- 12 , and P2X 1 . Binding to the P2Y 1 receptor stimulates PLC, which in turn leads to the formation of DAG and IP 3 and results in the release of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores (1).…”

“…This study reported that the most common medicinal types of CAM were non-prescribed vitamins, minerals and herbal therapies. The major increase in the usage of CAM is largely in patients affected by cardiovascular disease [7,8], especially the usage of herbs, spices and nutraceuticals such as garlic [9][10][11][12]. However, there is a lack of herbal supplement characterization as reported in many published randomized controlled trials [13].…”