Effectiveness of Western and Kampo Medicine in 101 Patients with Palpitation

Abstract

Many patients with palpitation consult outpatient cardiology departments. They may present with cardiac tuning abnormality (arrhythmia), which manifests as morbid palpitations. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of palpitation are crucial to prevent adverse cardiac events. However, palpitations, in addition to anxiety and dyspnea, are often not considered as significant factor for morbidity in Western medicine. Conversely, Kampo (traditional Japanese medicine) can be used to treat the constitution of the patients, including those with or without disease diagnosed by Western medicine. However, there are no reports on the efficacy of Kampo in many examples. In this study, we diagnosed and provided appropriate Western medicine treatment for 101 outpatients with palpitation who consulted our department. We give priority to it if we evaluate the treatment of the disease of Western medicine was required (group W : n = 19). When an appropriate diagnosis could not be made by Western medicine, or when no therapeutic effect was noted with Western medicine, we administered Kampo medicine alone (group K : n = 62) or combination therapy (Kampo and Western medicine ; group KW : n = 20). The treatment efficacy was evaluated in each of the three groups. We observed high efficacy in all 3 groups (group W = 100%, group K = 96%, and group KW = 100%). Therefore, for patient with palpitation, combined treatment with both Kampo and Western medicine could improve their symptoms.