We all think that when we say 'natural', those things are good for the body and have no side effects, right? Especially when we use all those vitamins, herbal supplements, and antioxidants. However, if you are about to undergo something major like cardiac surgery, you have to think twice about these things that you think are 'natural'. Because sometimes these can cause problems that you can't even imagine.
Why are these 'natural' things dangerous for surgery?
You might be thinking, "Oh, these are natural things, how can there be a problem?" True, most of the time these are good. But, "natural" doesn't always mean "safe," especially when you're preparing for heart surgery.
Just think, how many people in our country take various supplements every day to stay healthy. Some take a regular multivitamin. Others eat garlic to protect their heart. They use things like Ginkgo to improve their memory. They look for Echinacea to boost their immunity when they catch a cold. There are those who use Kava to help them sleep better. Vitamin E or fish oil are said to be good for the heart. While these are generally good, you definitely need to be careful if you are preparing for a bypass operation, a heart valve repair surgery, or any other cardiac procedure.
Research has found that the use of these herbal preparations before surgery can cause serious adverse effects during and after surgery. In particular, attention has been paid to the following commonly used ones:
- Echinacea
- Ephedra
- Garlic
- Ginkgo
- Ginseng
- Kava
- St. John's wort
- Valerian
These have been found to cause complications such as bleeding, irregular heartbeat, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), changes in the effects of anesthesia, and changes in the way other drugs used in surgery are broken down in the body (metabolism) . Studies on other natural or alternative treatments, such as ginger, coenzyme Q-10, and vitamin E, have also shown that the side effects of these natural substances can sometimes be as serious as heart attack, stroke, or excessive internal bleeding, and can unnecessarily complicate heart surgery.
How does this supplement affect blood?
Many natural products affect our blood in different ways. This can lead to dangerous side effects. For example:
- It reduces the ability of blood to clot, or increases the time it takes for blood to clot.
- Increases internal bleeding.
- It reduces the number of platelets in the blood, or reduces their ability to stick together (platelet aggregation and adhesion).
- Dilates or narrows blood vessels.
- Reduces blood viscosity.
If you've been using these things for a long time and haven't had any side effects, you might think that these things aren't that big of a deal. But don't forget, during and after heart surgery, you'll be given a lot of medications that you wouldn't normally take . Things like painkillers and anesthetics. These medications can interact with the natural supplements you take, and that can have dangerous effects.
How can things that seem so innocent be so dangerous?
There are several reasons for this.
The first thing is that, not only in our country, but in many countries, these herbal medications are not properly regulated. That is, they are not subject to the controlled clinical studies that are conducted before a regular medicine is released into the market. Therefore, there is no clear understanding of what the side effects of these are.
The second thing is that the quality, ingredients, and manufacturing process of these drugs are not subject to scrutiny by a regulatory agency like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are sold as pills, teas, powders, liquids, extracts, tinctures, and capsules. None of this is regulated. So, the safety, efficacy, content, dosage—even the reliability of these drugs, even if they have an expiration date—is uncertain.
Not everything that is "natural" is good. You have to be very careful, especially before surgery.
Drug interactions
These herbal supplements may interact with other nutrients in your body, with other herbal products you are taking, or with prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. These herbal supplements may change the bioavailability, or how much of a prescription drug is absorbed by the body, of a prescription drug used during heart surgery, or may affect its effectiveness.
Simply put, a natural medicine can change the way a regular medicine is absorbed, distributed throughout the body, or eliminated from the body. In other words, the medicine you take may not work as well or may work too much.
Like prescription and over-the-counter medications, the effects of any herbal or dietary supplement may vary depending on your age, gender, family history, and general nutritional status . The effects may also vary depending on whether you have other health conditions and how those health conditions are being treated.
So what should you do?
This is the most important thing. If you are preparing for heart surgery, you should tell your cardiologist and cardiac surgeon about any supplements, medications, or treatments you are taking well in advance of the surgery .
Sometimes doctors may not ask you about this. Even so, you should tell them about it yourself. Because everyone involved in your care wants to give you the best possible outcome.
Nowadays, many people are increasingly using alternative products in search of better health. However, we are telling you not to take this journey down a dangerous path.
Remember, your doctor is the best person to advise you. Make sure he or she is aware of everything you are taking before surgery.
In summary, let us remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so I think you've picked up on some important points from what we've talked about.
- Not everything 'natural' is safe before surgery: If you're facing heart surgery, be very careful about the vitamins, herbal supplements, and other 'natural' products you take.
- Side effects may occur: These can include increased bleeding, interactions with anesthetic drugs, and other serious complications.
- Lack of regulation is a problem: Many herbal products are not rigorously tested, so there is no guarantee of their content and safety.
- It is essential to inform your doctor: Inform your doctor and surgeon about all supplements you are taking at least a few weeks before surgery. You may be asked to stop taking these 2-3 weeks before surgery.
- Don't use what you don't know: Don't start any new supplements without medical advice, especially when surgery is imminent.
We hope this information will help you have a successful heart surgery and a speedy recovery. We wish you good health!
` Heart surgery, herbal supplements, vitamins, surgery risks, drug interactions, natural medicine, heart health
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