An adaptogen usage in outpatient practice to improve cardiovascular adaptation to abnormal climatic conditions (The heat)

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the drug implied to improve the metabolic resistance to stress (adaptogen), Qudesan®, on its influence on cardiovascular system, psychological status and life quality of patients with average to high cardiovascular risk in the extreme climatic conditions (the summer heat). Material and methods. We included 60 patients; for 30 of those the Qudesan® 40 gtts. qd was added to standard drug therapy; other 30 patients were controls. We measured office BP, potassium and sodium concentrations; malonic dialdehyde (MDA), superoxidedysmutase (SOD) in erythrocytes. Then the relation of MDA/SOD was calculate. Patients also completed the questionnaire made up for this study. Results. In the Qudesan® group during the heat period we found lowering of SBP (Δ -13,8 mmHg, p=0,02), DBP (Δ -4,5 mmHg, p=0,05) and PWV (Δ -0,8 m/s, p=0,05) absent in the control. Also in Qudesan® group the concentration of sodium starts to increase during the heat period (Δ +1,0 mM/l, p=0,008). This increase becomes significant by september (Δ +1,7 mM/l, p=0,008) and is probably adaptive. The level of MDA (p<0,05) and MDA/SOD relation, the signs of “antioxydant potential”, in blood were increasing significantly during the summer heat only in control group. The complaints on heart rhythm disorders (p=0,04) and on CHF worsening (p=0,09) after the end of heat period were more common in control group. That is the Qudesan® shows adaptogenic effect and can be used to improve adaptability during the heat period and its switching to cloder time in patients with compensated CVD.