If you have heart problems, be sure your doctor knows about any herbal remedies you're using.

That's the advice from an article in a recent issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The article's authors discuss a variety of popular herbs that may interact badly with medications you're taking for your heart. This list is a long one, and the interactions can cause serious health problems. Herbs of special concern include:

• St. John's Wort. This is a popular remedy for depression. However, St. John's Wort can decrease the effectiveness of the drug warfarin, which is a "blood thinning" drug. This may increase your risk of blood clots. This herb may also make cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin less effective, the authors write.
   
• Ginseng. This drug touted for its effects on virility and longevity can also combine badly with medications. It, too, can make warfarin less effective, and if you're taking diabetes drugs, you may develop low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia.
   
• Hawthorn. Herbalists often use this treatment for the chest pain known as angina and congestive heart failure. However, it can increase the effect of the drug digoxin (also known as digitalis), which is used for heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The herb could also make you more likely to bleed if you're taking anti-clotting drugs.
   
• Saw palmetto. This herb is widely used by men to treat prostate enlargement. It can increase bleeding if you're taking warfarin.

Your doctor may not think to ask you if you're taking herbs, so it's up to you to make sure that you discuss any herbs you're using or you're interested in taking. Discuss why you want to take the herb (your doctor may be able to recommend medications that can treat the symptoms that are bothering you), and bring along the herb's label and packaging information if possible.

SCHEDULE A SCREENING

Related Links

Apples for Your Heart
Soft Drinks Linked to Diabetes, Heart Risk