Complementary therapies for cerebrovascular disease

Although it is estimated that 60-65% of the Australian population have used complementary therapies (CT) at some time, the figure with regard to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not known. One study1 found that 36% of patients with CVD had used CT in the previous 12 months; the most commonly used therapies being herbs (18%) (eg. echinacea, garlic, ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, glucosamine) and mind-body therapies (17%) (eg. deep breathing exercises, meditation). Most of this usage was for general medical conditions, overall wellbeing, or symptom control with only 10% using CT specifically for their CVD and related risk factors. In this study the majority of patients reported that they perceived the CT to be helpful.
PMID: 18043778