Aromatherapy and Cardiovascular Disease
Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that utilizes scented oils derived from plants to promote health in an individual. The oils contain phytochemicals (chemicals derived from plants) that are inhaled and affect the body in various ways. The role of aromatherapy has largely settled into prevention of disease through stress reduction. Aromatherapy may also indirectly stimulate the body’s immune systemto boost overall health.
The oils used in aromatherapy are chemicals extracted from flowers, trees, and other plants. These essential oils are extracted from plants in a variety of ways, often combined with other essential oils and chemicals that extend the life of the product. It is important to verify the content of the particular oil being used for treatment. Unfortunately, there are no regulations that standardize the contents or toxic levels of the oil products marketed. It falls to the consumer to be aware of the quality of the product they chose. The oils can be utilized via several means of delivery- a diffuser, a scent pot, spraying the surrounding air with droplets of the oil, wearing as perfume, placing a few drops in a bath, and massaging the oil directly onto skin.
Essential oils have been touted for their antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal, regenerative, and anti-inflammatory effects. They have been associated with lowered blood pressure explained partially by their ability to promote relaxation. The body’s system of olfaction (smell) is closely linked to a part of the nervous system called the Limbic System. This system is responsible for emotions and mental states. Olfaction is the quickest link to the bloodstream, making the effects of volatile chemicals rapid.
Specific to cardiovascular health, aromatherapy may have an underutilized niche in combating stress, anxiety, and depression. If present, these factors have all been shown to have deleterious effects on the outcome of cardiac patients. In heart attack patients, anxiety doubles the risk of a repeat heart attack over a five year period and multiplies the risk of death following a heart attack by a factor of three. Depressionpresent after a heart attack has been shown to multiply the risk of death by a factor of four.
Though there has not been a plethora of scientifically sound research published on aromatherapy, there has been quite a bit of material published specific to the essential oil of lavender. It has been recognized for its ability to ease anxiety, promote sedation, and mediate mood. Many of the studies, however, have included small numbers of subjects and inconsistent results. Frequently these studies report that the patients felt less anxious and depressed despite the inconclusive results of the objective measures used in the studies. That aside, the results of aromatherapy studies pose intriguing questions about their potential benefit to overall health. The implications of the fairly inexpensive treatments aromatherapy encompasses could mean more cost-effective health care and possibly better treatment of cardiovascular patients in a holistic manner. Aromatherapy, as it pertains to cardiovascular patients, is an area that needs more large-scale research. Only then can the medical community attempt to convincingly determine the appropriate role of aromatherapy in patient care.
Reviewing Articles Regarding Depression and Heart Disease, Depression after Heart Surgery, Depression and Myocardial Infarction on Diagnosisheart.com, posted November 26, 2003
Divorce and Heart Disease – Life Stressors, posted February 24, 2003