Usefulness of homoeopathy in essential hypertension: an exploratory interventional trial

Abstract

Background: Hypertension has shown a significant increase in its prevalence not only in urban but also in rural population in India. Out of all hypertensive cases 85%-95% account for ‘Essential hypertension’, which is mostly attributed to genetic, psychological and environmental factors. Thus, there is need for a holistic approach for its treatment. Homoeopathy with its holistic concept along with life style modifications can prove to be a better option. This observational study as a part of thesis during post graduation was taken up to examine the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines with life style modifications in management of essential hypertension. Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate the role of homoeopathic drugs in the management of essential hypertension. Secondary objective was to find out the cases which belong to ‘Metabolic syndrome X’ as per the clinical criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program (Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III). Methodology: An exploratory interventional trial was conducted at Dharam Kiran Govt. Homoeopathic Hospital, Hyderabad from 2004-06. 30 cases were enrolled from the OPD of the hospital. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after receiving written informed consent. Medical history, physical examination, laboratory investigations were used to rule out Secondary hypertension. Detailed case history was recorded as per the standard case recording format and cases were repertorized using suitable repertory. Final selection of the medicine for each case was done in consultation with homoeopathic Materia medica. Modifiable risk factors like obesity (Body Mass Index), excess salt intake, alcohol consumption etc. were recorded at baseline. The cases with Stage II hypertension as per Joint National Committee on prevention, detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure VII report (JNC VII) were followed up every 15 days and cases with Stage I hypertension were followed every one month till one year. Improvement status was assessed considering changes in staging according to JNC VII report and improvement in general condition. Main outcome measure was to assess the change in blood pressure in Stage I and II hypertension cases and secondary outcome was to find cases that belong to ‘Metabolic syndrome X’. Data was analyzed by using statistical software SPSS version 16. Results: 16 (53.33%) cases showed marked improvement, 8 (26.67%) cases improved moderately, 3 (10%) showed no improvement and 3 (10%) cases dropped out. Arsenic album, Natrum muraticum, Nux vomica, Causticum and Lycopodium were found useful in the management of essential hypertension. Wilcoxon's signed rank test was used to analyze the data. The difference in values for both systolic and diastolic blood pressures before and after treatment were found statistically significant (p Conclusion: This study found that the constitutional treatment based on homoeopathic principles offers the best therapeutic solution in the management of essential hypertension. Further well designed studies should be taken up to establish the efficacy of homoeopathy in management of essential hypertension.