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The cardiovascular patient's perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Krasuski, RA; Michaelis, K; Eckart, RE
Published in: Clin Cardiol
April 2006

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common among patients with cardiovascular disorders and is generally underrecognized by physicians. The attitudes of these patients regarding these therapies and their perceptions of safety and efficacy have not been well defined. METHODS: A written survey was received from a cohort of outpatients seen at a large outpatient cardiovascular clinic in Texas. Over 75% of patients responded, with more than 90% of returned surveys adequate for analysis. RESULTS: Of the 210 respondents 113 admitted to CAM use, with Vitamins E and C being the most frequently utilized agents. Women were significantly more likely to take CAM than men (69 vs. 46%, p = 0.002), particularly those taking hormone replacement therapy. Over half of patients surveyed stated their cardiologist was unaware of their use of CAM. Only 15% of patients felt that CAM was more efficacious than their traditional medications, but almost half felt it was significantly safer. A similar number were unaware of any interactions between CAM and their other medications. CONCLUSIONS: Use of CAM is common in cardiology outpatients, and many patients remain unaware of potential health risks. Physicians should routinely question patients about use of CAM and attempt to educate users regarding potential health risks.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Clin Cardiol

DOI

ISSN

0160-9289

Publication Date

April 2006

Volume

29

Issue

4

Start / End Page

161 / 164

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Vitamin E
  • Texas
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Phytotherapy
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Outpatients
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Female
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Krasuski, R. A., Michaelis, K., & Eckart, R. E. (2006). The cardiovascular patient's perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine. Clin Cardiol, 29(4), 161–164. https://doi.org/10.1002/clc.4960290407
Krasuski, Richard A., Kyle Michaelis, and Robert E. Eckart. “The cardiovascular patient's perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine.Clin Cardiol 29, no. 4 (April 2006): 161–64. https://doi.org/10.1002/clc.4960290407.
Krasuski RA, Michaelis K, Eckart RE. The cardiovascular patient's perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine. Clin Cardiol. 2006 Apr;29(4):161–4.
Krasuski, Richard A., et al. “The cardiovascular patient's perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine.Clin Cardiol, vol. 29, no. 4, Apr. 2006, pp. 161–64. Pubmed, doi:10.1002/clc.4960290407.
Krasuski RA, Michaelis K, Eckart RE. The cardiovascular patient's perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine. Clin Cardiol. 2006 Apr;29(4):161–164.

Published In

Clin Cardiol

DOI

ISSN

0160-9289

Publication Date

April 2006

Volume

29

Issue

4

Start / End Page

161 / 164

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Vitamin E
  • Texas
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Phytotherapy
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Outpatients
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Female