The use of complementary and alternative therapies among middle-aged and older cardiac patients

This study investigated the prevalence, pattern, perceived benefits, and predictors of the use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) among middle-aged and older patients prior to cardiac surgery. Comprehensive information of 246 patients who came for preoperative medical assessment was obtained through face-to-face interviews. CAM utility of 225 was obtained by telephone the day before surgery. A computerized STS Adult Cardiac Database of Cardiac Surgery provided patients' medical information. One hundred eighty-two patients (80.9%) confirmed CAM use, including relaxation techniques, lifestyle-diet modification, spiritual healing, megavitamin therapy, massage, herbs or folk remedies, and imagery. Education, functional status, the number of noncardiac chronic conditions, status as former cigarette smoker, public religiosity, and congestive heart failure predicted greater CAM utility, whereas cerebrovascular diseases and arrhythmia tended to predict less use. Findings suggest that there is considerable CAM use in this cardiac sample. Physicians and other health providers should investigate patients' CAM utility and promote collaborative medical care.