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Complementary therapies for peripheral arterial disease: systematic review.
1Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, UK. M.H.Pittler@exeter.ac.uk
Atherosclerosis
|June 9, 2005
Summary
Complementary therapies for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are common. Ginkgo biloba and Padma 28 show potential effectiveness for intermittent claudication, but more research is needed for other treatments.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Vascular Health
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is prevalent in primary care.
- Complementary therapies are frequently used by patients with PAD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effectiveness of complementary therapies for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
- Searches of Medline, Embase, Amed, and Cochrane Library up to December 2004.
- Independent data screening, selection, extraction, and quality assessment.
Main Results:
- Ginkgo biloba demonstrated effectiveness compared to placebo for intermittent claudication.
- Padma 28 showed potential effectiveness for intermittent claudication, requiring further data.
- Insufficient evidence exists for acupuncture, biofeedback, chelation, CO(2)-applications, garlic, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin E.
Conclusions:
- Ginkgo biloba and potentially Padma 28 are effective complementary treatments for intermittent claudication in PAD.
- Robust evidence is lacking for most other complementary therapies evaluated for PAD.