Dr Atul Limaye, Director – Interventional Cardiology & TAVI Services, Fortis Hospital Mulund stresses that it’s crucial to recognise the minimal placebo effects of alternative medicines and practices, which often offer marginal or no real benefits
The digital era has opened up numerous avenues for individuals to access information on virtually any subject. This has prompted many to hit the “search” button at the first sign of any symptom. Unfortunately, this trend has not only elevated the risk of self-diagnosis and unwarranted concern about seeking ‘cures,’ but has also resulted in people pursuing remedies that lack scientific validation. Consequently, there has been a surge in cases where individuals have suffered adverse effects, some of which may be irreversible.
I would like to share one such instance where a patient came to me and mentioned that he had heard that consuming garlic and bitter gourd juice can cure diabetes and lower cholesterol and whether it was true. As someone who takes health information seriously, I didn’t want to dismiss this inquiry outright. However, it made me ponder how many individuals out there believe in practices with no scientific basis, and even engage in behaviors that they think are beneficial but might actually harm their heart health. What is the origin of this misinformation, and how does it pose a risk?
Many people hold the belief that pharmaceuticals are generally detrimental to their health, while anything “natural” or “holistic” is inherently beneficial. They may use short-term medications, such as antibiotics for infections, but are reluctant to take cardiac medications that typically require long-term use, sometimes spanning decades. A substantial and lucrative industry caters to this misconception, promoting “nutraceuticals” that lack regulatory compliances or scientific backing. Consequently, they make bold health claims about these “natural supplements” containing antioxidants, like anti-Cancer, anti-aging, or heart-healthy benefits. There’s a significant market for such products. However, a substantial study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2000 found no cardiovascular benefit from vitamin E supplementation.
Chelation Therapy, aimed at “removing” Atherosclerotic Plaques or “blockages” from Coronary Arteries, has been in existence since the 1950s. It involves repeated intravenous EDTA infusions combined with vitamins. Advocates claim that these injections cleanse arteries and alleviate Angina, yet no definitive trial has conclusively demonstrated its benefits. Reputable cardiology societies worldwide do not endorse Chelation Therapy as a safe and effective treatment for heart disease.
Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) entails the application of inflatable cuffs on the lower extremities, administered through one-hour sessions over several weeks. While the FDA has approved EECP for use in anginal chest pain not responsive to standard drugs (known as “Refractory Angina”) and heart failure, the limited available studies have methodological flaws and are often sponsored by the device manufacturers. There are more effective and safer medications available to manage Angina and heart failure, than resorting to these costly sessions with marginal benefits.
“Panchkarma,” an ancient practice in India that predates discoveries like Coronary Angioplasty and Penicillin, involves Emesis, Purgation and Enemas. In 2023, the notion that these practices can lead to better health seems implausible. I would consider embracing Panchkarma if there were substantial randomized controlled trials demonstrating its benefits, but until then, I reserve judgment.
It’s crucial to recognise the minimal placebo effects of these alternative medicines and practices, which often offer marginal or no real benefits. Moreover, they have the potential to distract and dissuade individuals from using genuinely life-saving allopathic medicines for serious conditions like Coronary Artery Disease and heart failure. It’s time that one makes a well-informed decision in conjunction with their caregiver, on the treatment methodology best suited for them.