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Western Medicine vs. Oriental Medicine in Hypertension Therapy: Case Study
Author(s) -
Tulp Orien L,
Chow Tin,
Konyk Carla M,
Einstein George P
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.941.1
Subject(s) - medicine , blood pressure , amlodipine , antihypertensive drug , disease , diastole , cardiology , intensive care medicine
Background Hypertension [HTN] is a key risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is a leading cause of end‐stage renal disease; approximately 7.1 million deaths per year may be directly attributed to poor control of blood pressure. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HTN have had a major impact on management of this chronic disease. To determine the comparative effectiveness of conventional Western treatment vs drug free Oriental Therapy [OT] for HTN, we reviewed the data from two independent studies. Methods and Research The prevention and therapy include multi variables that cause or contribute to the development of HTN. The research review is based on a review of the diagnosis and therapy of Western and Oriental medicine. The patients were administered the ARB Sartan [SR] in the EU and Amlodipine [AD] in USA. For patients in China the Chinese oriental medicine of Wu Cao Si Wu Tang formula was administered. For the treatment of high blood pressure [HTN] with this protocol, 21 were men and 9 women, age range 30–67 years old, with mean systolic pressure [SBP] of 160 mmHg or above, and the mean diastolic pressure [DBP] of 95 mmHg upon admission to the study. Results The patients used SR in EU and AD in USA stabilized the systolic and diastolic blood pressure effectively, however with frequent side effects. The Chinese formula resulted in an equally effective outcome, defined as resulting SBP of 141 mmHg or less and DBP of 90 or less with normalization of BP and disappearance of symptoms of HTN, similar to that which was observed on the altiplano where abundant daily exercise and traditional Bolivian diet contributed to a healthy lifestyle [Tulp, 1994]. Conclusion The therapy by SR in EU and AD in USA to stabilize the blood pressure was equally effective to OT. Common side effects of SR included blurred vision, that was reported to be disruptive for driving and reading by patients. The AD side effects, which can be potentially life‐threatening, included hives, swelling of the throat, and difficulty breathing. In contrast, the Wu Cao Si Wu Tang formula is effective and no side effects were observed and appears to be a worthy alternative to present day conventional Western approaches for the treatment of HTN. Support or Funding Information Supported by Institutional Resources of USAT and the Einstein Medical Institute