Use of CAM Health Care Modalities in Treating Cardiovascular Diseases

Use of CAM Health Care Modalities in Treating Cardiovascular Diseases
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Use of CAM Health Care Modalities in Treating Cardiovascular Diseases
Health care practitioners worldwide are tasked, mandated and obligated to provide quality and effective treatment to all their patients without favoritism or discrimination. They are supposed to combine the skills they learned during pursuit of their medical qualifications and experience to improve patient outcomes. As such, medical bodies such as the American Medical Association are very strict and conduct regular spontaneous checks to ensure that all medical personnel in health care facilities are qualified and capable of carrying out their duties. Nonetheless, doctors and nurses are faced with new medical conditions daily making their efforts and obligations quite challenging. Some of these diseases have proven untreatable using standard medical procedures and contribute significantly to the high mortality rates being witnessed globally. As such, some health care practitioners have begun to embrace various forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in treatment of their patients. While complementary medicine entails treatments such as acupuncture that can be used concurrently with standard medical care, alternative medicine are primarily used instead of standard medical treatments. It is however important to note that although these CAM health care modalities have their benefits, there are also some risk and effects associated with them. The essay will examine CAM health care modalities in Ginseng, Hawthorn, L-Arginine, and St. John’s Wort impact the cardiovascular system.
Ginseng CAM Health Care Modality
Traditional medicine has been part and parcel of societies around the world for many centuries. It is characterized by the treatment of ailments using herbs, roots and leaves of certain plants. People living in Asia and North America have popularly used ginseng as a form of herbal medicine. According to Kim (2018), “The herbs consist of a light-colored, forked-shaped root, a relatively long stalk, and green leaves with an oval shape” (264). Ginseng is considered a form of CAM because despite it being used in traditional medicine there lacks substantial evidence to show its effectiveness in treating any medical condition. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has also not approved it as a prescription drug.
Health Care Benefits of Ginseng: Firstly, ginseng is considered to be a potent antioxidant and as such, has anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies have shown that the compounds found in ginseng inhibit inflammation and improved antioxidant activity in individuals suffering from eczema (Kim, 2018). Similarly, through the reduction of inflammatory markers, ginseng helps to protect individuals from oxidative stress. Secondly, ginseng is also attributed to foster sharper cognitive functioning through improving brain capabilities such as memory and mood. Therefore, it is highly recommended for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Thirdly, ginseng compounds help improve erectile dysfunction because they eliminate oxidative stress from the blood vessels running through the penis (Kim, 2018). On the same breadth, it promotes the production of nitric oxide that assists in muscle relaxation. Fourthly, ginseng also helps to boost the immune system (Kim, 2018). Last but not least, ginseng also stimulates physical activity and as such, is mostly used to address fatigue among cancer patients.
Adverse Effects and Risks of Using Ginseng: Despite the benefits above, several risks and effects are associated with using ginseng. Some of the common side effects include headaches, sleep deprivation, nervousness, digestive issues, decreased heart rate, seizures and convulsions, severe skin reactions, and blurred vision (Lee & Kim, 2014). There are also reported cases of swollen breasts and vaginal bleeding in women. As a result of these side effects, pregnant and lactating mothers are prohibited from using them.
Effects of Ginseng on the Cardiovascular System: Ginseng is commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is a major health care concern globally. Ginseng helps to improve blood circulation and stimulates the production of nitric oxide that assists in muscle relaxation (Lee & Kim, 2014). Overall, ginseng compounds modulate, adjust and improve vascular, vasomotor and cardiac functions. They also help to adjust lipid profile and inhibit platelet aggregation.
Patient Education on Ginseng: There are various materials and resources that have been published online that speak in depth on the uses and side effects of the ginseng. Some of these materials also include studies of ginseng being administered on patients. However, doctors are obligated to advise their patients whenever they intend to administer or use ginseng as a treatment option.
Hawthorn CAM Health Care Modality
Hawthorn is a tree that belongs to the rose family and grows in temperate regions including Europe. It has been used since way back in the 1st century to address various health care complications including circulatory and respiratory diseases.
Health Care Benefits of Hawthorn: According to De Lorenzo (2017), “Hawthorn is used for diseases of the heart and blood vessels such as congestive heart failure (CHF), chest pain, and irregular heartbeat” (n.p). Conventionally, the hawthorn berries were used to address issues such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, chest pain and high blood pressure (Wang, Xiong & Feng, 2013). They are also useful in treating hardening of the arteries and high cholesterol. Additionally, hawthorn is also deemed useful in treating digestive system issues including indigestion and stomach pain (De Lorenzo, 2017). It is also helpful in reducing anxiety and in some cases, it is administered as a sedative to solve menstrual problems and increase urine output. Hawthorn is also applied on skin to relieve irritations and to treat boils and ulcers.
Adverse Effects of Using Hawthorn: Despite its benefits in treating heart complications, hawthorn has several risks and effects. Hawthorn tends to stimulate the uterus and as such, it is not recommended for use by pregnant women. Similarly, it used also not be used by lactating mothers and children (Wang, Xiong & Feng, 2013). Additionally, hawthorn has also been attributed to cause dizziness, nausea, fatigue, sleeplessness, sweating and agitation. It is also advisable that hawthorn should be used with caution particularly by patients with heart issues using other herbs and supplements.
Effects of Hawthorn on the Cardiovascular System: Studies have shown that administration of hawthorn in the correct doses lead to decrease in the total cholesterol and triglycerides (Wang, Xiong & Feng, 2013). Furthermore, hawthorn has positive inotropic, anti-inflammatory, anticardia remodeling, and antiplatelet aggregation effects. It also has proliferation properties and fosters smooth muscle cell migration. Hawthorn also has a protective effect against Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) (Wang, Xiong & Feng, 2013). Research has also identified that hawthorn lowers blood lipid levels
Patient Education on Hawthorn: Materials and resources about hawthorn as a form of CAM are widely published on the internet and as such, are easily accessible by both patients and health care practitioners. It is however important for doctors to fully advise their patients on the benefits and associated risks of using hawthorn.
L-Arginine CAM Health Care Modality
L-Arginine is an amino acid and it is a chemical building block that is found in various food products...