Abstract Background and ObjectivesIn this study, we attempted to determine the effects of acupuncture on cardiac remodeling and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence rates in patients with AF after electrical cardioversion (EC). Materials and MethodsWe randomly assigned 44 patients with persistent AF to an acupuncture group or a sham acupuncture group. An electroacupuncture treatment session was administered once weekly for 12 weeks at four acupuncture points...Weiterlesen

Abstract ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCEFufang Chuanxiong capsule consists of Angelica sinensis radix and Chuanxiong rhizome, which are used in the traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of coronary artery disease, and Xinyue capsule is composed of panax quinquefolius saponin extracted from leaves and stems of Panax quinquefolium L, which has the functions of anti-myocardial ischemia, improving myocardial energy metabolism and inhibiting apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. OBJECTIVETo observe the...Weiterlesen

Abstract ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCEWith the extensive recent use of warfarin and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in combination, TCM has been found to affect warfarin’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters. Warfarin is a widely used oral anticoagulant, which has a narrow therapeutic window and a high likelihood of interacting with other drugs and resulting in serious adverse reactions. Contrary to widespread public expectations, TCM, despite being natural, is...Weiterlesen

Abstract The use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has obtained more and more acceptance all over the world due to its multi-target and multi-level function characteristics. Clopidogrel is a major therapeutic option to reduce atherothrombotic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome, recent myocardial infarction, recent stroke or established peripheral arterial disease. These patients probably take TCM. Are there any interactions between clopidogrel and TCM?...Weiterlesen

Abstract The increased resting heart rate (HR) in heart transplant patients is associated with enhanced metabolic demand, the potential for fatigue, and lower quality of life. In the present study, we hypothesized that transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) could modulate autonomic balance and reduce resting HR in these patients. A single-arm clinical trial was conducted with patients aged > 18 years, at ambulatorial accompaniment after...Weiterlesen

Abstract Importance The effects of acupuncture as adjunctive treatment to antianginal therapies for patients with chronic stable angina are uncertain. Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy to antianginal therapies in reducing frequency of angina attacks in patients with chronic stable angina. Design, Setting, and Participants In this 20-week randomized clinical trial conducted in outpatient and inpatient settings at 5...Weiterlesen

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of Gua Sha therapy in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DNP). DESIGN: An open-label randomized controlled study was conducted with usual care as the control (60 subjects in Gua Sha group and 59 subjects in usual care group). Outcome measures included Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS), Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT), Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), and fasting plasma glucose...Weiterlesen

Abstract Acupuncture, for the westerns countries, is an innovative and low-cost therapy for treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, most of its effects and mechanisms are poorly understood. Thus, the objective of this work was to systematically review the literature regarding the clinical effects of acupuncture for the treatment and prevention of CVDs. A search for papers published in English or Portuguese in the past 20 years was...Weiterlesen

Original Titel: The effect of ginger supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials Erhöhte Blutfette stellen einen großen Risikofaktor für die koronare Herzkrankheit dar. Ingwer könnte helfen, diese zu senken, wie die vorliegende Studie zeigte. Hierbei schien jedoch weniger mehr zu sein. Erhöhte Blutfettwerte sind eine Hauptursache für die koronare Herzkrankheit. Diese zu senken ist somit wichtig, um der KHK vorzubeugen. Doch auch bei bereits...Weiterlesen

Original Titel: Association of traditional Chinese medicine therapy and the risk of dementia in patients with hypertension: a nationwide population-based cohort study. In früheren Studien wurde ein erhöhten Demenzrisiko von Bluthochdruckpatienten berichtet. Bluthochdruck wird oft mit alternativen Methoden, in Taiwan am häufigsten mit Traditioneller chinesischer Medizin (TCM), behandelt. Bisher ist es jedoch unklar, ob diese Behandlung auch das Demenzrisiko der Patienten senken könnte. Ziel der...Weiterlesen