The prevalence and pattern of complementary and alternative supplement use in individuals with chronic heart failure

There are few data on the prevalence and pattern of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) supplement use among people with chronic heart failure (CHF). The aim of this survey was to characterize the prevalence, pattern, and reasons for use of CAM supplements among those with CHF.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2 groups: CHF patients who had participated in the Hawthorn Extract Randomized Blinded Chronic Heart Failure (HERB CHF) Trial, and CHF patients who attended the University of Michigan's CHF Outpatient Clinic. We received 252 surveys. One third of respondents had used a CAM supplement in the last 6 months. There were 24 different supplements used. Reasons for use included heart problems, anxiety, weight loss, and arthritis. No demographic or behavioral characteristic identified CAM supplement users, although a 50% lower use among HERB CHF participants approached statistical significance (P = .08).

One third of our CHF patients were taking CAM supplements, several of which may interact negatively with typical heart failure medications. CAM supplement use for weight loss may be underreported. Demographic and behavioral characteristics may not have identified people with CHF who were using CAM supplements.