A network meta-analysis examined 42 randomized controlled trials involving patients with myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure. The researchers compared oral Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional treatment against conventional treatment alone. This type of analysis allows for a broad comparison of different medicines to see which might work best for specific heart measures.
The study found that different medicines were best for different outcomes. Yixinshu capsules showed the best effect on the total clinical effective rate. Xintong oral liquid improved left ventricular ejection fraction and reduced left ventricular end-systolic dimension. Shexiang Baoxin pill was optimal for reducing left ventricular end-diastolic dimension. Guanxin Shutong capsules were the most effective at lowering NT-proBNP levels and increasing the 6-minute walk test distance.
Safety data were limited because the trials did not report adverse events or discontinuations clearly. The authors noted that poor reporting limits definitive safety conclusions. While short-term tolerability appears favorable, readers should be cautious about assuming long-term safety without more data. This analysis suggests these medicines may offer benefits, but the evidence for safety remains incomplete.