Thirty-minute Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Blood Biochemistry Measurements in Adults With Hypertension Using Herbs: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Introduction: Globally, there is a growing interest of herbs usage among hypertensive patients. The aim of study was to investigate thirty-minute ambulatory blood pressure (ABP), blood biochemistry measurements and associated factors among hypertensive adults using herbs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among hypertensive adults complementing herbs and attending primary care clinics in Kinta Valley, Perak. Data was collected using standard International Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (I-CAMQ) and measurements of thirty-minute ABP and blood biochemistry were conducted using ambulatory blood pressure monitor and point of care units respectively. Results: A total of 86 hypertensive adults using 55 herb combinations were recruited. 80.3% commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, ulam and fenugreek for more than one year. The median age of the participants was 63. The participants complementing herbs had means’ for waist-hip ratio and BMI in the high (0.92 ± 0.07) and overweight (27.14 ± 5.63) range respectively. Mean ± SD reading of systolic blood pressure was 138 ± 14.27 mm/Hg and 81.4% had normal hemoglobin levels. The mean ± SD of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were normal; 166.81 ± 39.40 mg/dl and 85.15 ± 34.34 mg/dl with higher triglyceride readings 181.02 ± 61.24 mg/dl. SBP (>140 mm/Hg) and age range 61-70, waist/hip ratio (high risk for CVDs) among females and Malay ethnicity were associated with higher TC (p=0.003), HDL (p=0.006), LDL (p=0.001) and Chol/HDL (p=0.036). Conclusion: Complementing drugs with herbs associated with patients aged above 60, females and the Malay ethnicity. The patients’ attitude of complementing drugs with herbs showed no impact on the measured physiological and biochemical parameters. A randomized controlled trial with a fixed herb regime is warranted.