Share on PinterestThe combination of different herbal supplements could lead to serious heart problems, a case study suggests. MEHAU KULYK / SCIENCE PHOTOS LIBRARY / Getty Images
- The use of herbal supplements, including cannabis derivatives, is becoming increasingly popular.
- Some supplements are easy to get over the counter and are not as highly regulated as other medications.
- A recent case study shows that overuse of certain supplements can lead to serious heart problems.
The use of supplements by people has increased in recent years. Many supplements can have a number of health benefits, but because they are not regulated, people should also be careful.
A recent case report published in Heart Rhythm Case Reports shows that overuse of certain substances such as hemp oil could lead to serious heart problems.
Supplements are available to consumers and may offer a number of health benefits. For example, dietary supplements provide more of the substances found in foods, such as specific vitamins or minerals.
Unlike medicines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not offer as much regulation for dietary supplements.
Dr. Edo Paz, a cardiologist and vice president of medicine at K Health who did not participate in the study, explained the problem with supplements to Medical News Today:
“Because the FDA regulates supplements differently than medications, the supplements are not well studied, so the exact features and side effects are not well known. You can even see variations in the preparation depending on the distributor and the batch “.
Dr. Paz said he encourages his patients to avoid supplements, due to a lack of solid data.
“If they plan to use them, I do my best to investigate possible side effects and interactions with drug supplements, but this is not always possible given the lack of data,” he added.
Examples of common supplements include calcium, vitamin D, garlic, and ginkgo. Sometimes supplements are a combination of many compounds, such as the berberine supplement, which can be helpful in improving heart problems and bowel health.
The CBD market
A group of supplements that have become very popular are cannabis derivatives. Examples of cannabis derivatives include hemp oil and cannabidiol (CBD).
Hemp oil has many potential benefits, including helping to reduce muscle tension and stress and relieving pain. Similarly, CBD can help relieve pain and may even help reduce anxiety.
Currently, the FDA has approved only one derivative of CBD oil for medicinal use, Epidiolex, which can be used to treat seizures. Different cannabis derivatives are still available as supplements, which means that people can buy and use them without the supervision of a medical professional.
The case report examined a 56-year-old woman and her severe symptoms that coincided with the use of supplements. He experienced episodes of syncope (fainting) and dizziness.
After a heart evaluation, medical professionals found that he had low blood pressure and an abnormal heart rhythm called Torsade de Pointes. This particular alteration in heart rate can be life-threatening.
He also experienced prolonged QTc, which indicates problems with the heart’s electrical signals. Prolonged QTc is often associated with Torsade de Pointes.
His magnesium levels were also low, and after treatment with intravenous magnesium and saline fluids, his heart rate stabilized. His personal medical history was not remarkable. But he revealed that he had been taking hemp oil containing both CBD and cannabigerol (CBG).
He stated that he was taking it for stress-related reasons and that he was taking it at six times the recommended dose. I was also taking supplements that contained berberine.
Doctors suspended all use of supplements while he was in the hospital. After five days, his heart rate returned to normal.
Based on this patient’s data and their study of data on these supplements, the study authors think that these supplements caused the patient’s QTc prolongation.
Dr. Paz noted that the case showed “a terrifying side effect of herbal supplements.”
“In this case, the patient used several supplements, which caused a cardiac electrical abnormality called QT prolongation. The patient even developed a dreaded and life-threatening consequence of QT prolongation called Torsades de pointe, which can degenerate. to a sudden cardiac death, “he told MNT.
Dr. Paz said that thanks to the clinical team, the cause of these effects was identified, and the electrical abnormality was resolved after the patient stopped taking them.
This particular case study examined the use of supplements in a person and the potentially serious heart problems that can follow. However, it is essential to note that he took an exceptionally high amount of hemp oil.
The patient was also taking more than one supplement, so her heart problems probably could not be strictly attributed to one of them.
Professor Gary Stephens, a pharmacology expert at the University of Reading who also did not participate in the study, told MNT that more clinical trials were needed on the use of these supplements due to limited data.
We need to conduct controlled clinical trials with well-defined, standardized drugs, “he said.
However, Professor Stephens also noted that he was unaware of any adverse cardiovascular effects attributed to CBD in clinical trials.
“I don’t know about berberine, but the authors point out that it has been reported to cause a cardiac side effect in the title of the article,” he added.
Dr. Stephen Alexander of the University of Nottingham and a cannabis expert who did not participate in the study said people should use supplements with caution.
“I would not expect the use of CBD or hemp oil to have a widespread negative impact on cardiovascular health, but it does emphasize the need to respect these agents and treat them seriously (instead of exceeding the recommended doses or combine them with other poorly characterized) supplements, “he told MNT.
He said the study highlighted the need for greater awareness and education about the use of supplements, particularly cannabis derivatives.
Disclaimer: Professor Gary Stephens has done some consulting work for Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Jazz Pharmaceuticals also bought GW Pharmaceuticals, the company behind the treatment of multiple sclerosis nabiximols, which was the first licensed cannabis-based drug in the UK. Professor Stephens has also received funding from GW Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Stephen Alexander has been recruited to the Scientific Advisory Board of Jazz Pharmaceuticals.
