Systematic review and meta-analysis on efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine for atrial fibrillation through cluster analysis

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown excellent therapeutic effects in the treatment of heart diseases. This meta-analysis was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of TCM on patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Four databases were searched from their establishment to 1 April 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of AF using TCM. The Cochrane Handbook 5.0.2 was used to perform to bias risk assessment, and RevMan 5.3 was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 7 references were included. It was found that compared with conventional Western medicine, the effective rate of TCM or the combined therapy of TCM and Western medicine was higher [mean difference (MD) =1.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28 to 2.68; Z=3.26; P=0.001]; the success rate of conversion was increased (MD =1.58; 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.44; Z=2.06; P=0.04), the conversion time was shortened (MD =-224.82; 95% CI: -262.56 to -187.08; Z=11.68; P<0.00001), the incidence of adverse reactions was reduced (MD =0.62; 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.97; Z=2.11; P=0.03). DISCUSSION: The use of TCM to treat AF can improve clinical treatment efficiency, increase the success rate of conversion, and shorten the conversion time. Compared with conventional Western medicine, the combined therapy demonstrated better therapeutic effects.