Alternative therapies for heart failure: Health experts detail the good, the bad and the unknown
Heart failure patients often treat their symptoms with alternative therapies and over-the-counter supplements. While some of these treatments may prove beneficial, taking such actions without doing the proper research—and speaking with a healthcare professional—can lead to significant complications and other unintended consequences.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has shared a new scientific statement about alternative heart failure therapies for this very reason. The statement examines the safety and effectiveness of many alternative treatments, highlighting the potential benefits of some of these treatment options as well as some potential risks.
The document represents the work of a volunteer writing group of cardiologists, pharmacists, nurses and other experts. It is now available in full in Circulation, one of the AHA’s leading journals.[1]
“These products are not federally regulated, and they are available to consumers without having to demonstrate efficacy or safety to meet the same standards as prescription medications,” writing group chair Sheryl L. Chow, PharmD, an associate professor at Western University of Health Sciences, said in a prepared statement. “People rarely tell their health care team about their use of supplements or other alternative therapies unless specifically asked, and they may not be aware of the possibility of interactions with prescription medicines or other effects on their health. The combination of unregulated, readily accessible therapies and the lack of patient disclosure creates significant potential for harm.”
Examples of potentially beneficial alternative treatments for heart failure
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids—think fish oil—can lower a patient’s risk of heart failure and help treat symptoms associated with heart failure. They should always be used in moderation, the group noted, as taking too much may lead to a heightened risk of atrial fibrillation.
- Yoga and tai chi may improve quality of life and decrease blood pressure if practiced in addition to standard, recommended treatments.
Examples of potentially harmful alternative treatments for heart failure
- Vitamin D supplements have not been proven to benefit heart failure patients and “may be harmful” when taken with certain heart failure medications.
- Blue cohosh, a supplement, can lead to tachycardia, high blood pressure, chest pain or high blood pressure.
- Lily of the valley, if taken with digoxin, may cause hypokalemia, irregular heartbeats, confusion or tiredness.
Examples of mixed results and unanswered questions related to alternative treatments for heart failure
- Some studies have concluded that moderate alcohol consumption can prevent heart failure, but the research varies. Also, drinking too much alcohol is associated with a wide range of health issues and can even help cause heart failure.
- Vitamin E supplements have been associated with reducing some heart failure risks, but increasing others.
- Co-Q10—found in certain meats, fish and soybean oil—may be beneficial, but it can also have harmful reactions if a patient is also taking blood pressure or anti-clotting medications.
“Overall, more quality research and well-powered randomized controlled trials are needed to better understand the risks and benefits of complementary and alternative medicine therapies for people with heart failure,” Chow said in the same prepared statement.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.