Is the folk medicine known as “The Secret” efficient in reducing bleeding after percutaneous coronary procedures?: a double-blinded, randomised trial

Abstract

AimPercutaneous coronary interventions require an arterial approach and administration of antithrombotic drugs. This may lead to bleeding complications. The aim of this study was to test whether “The Secret” – a pagan prayer – is effective in reducing post-interventional bleeding.DesignRandomised controlled trial.SettingMonocentric, tertiary care centre.ParticipantsFrom January to July 2022, 200 patients (aged >18 years) undergoing elective coronary angiography were included in the study.InterventionThe intervention group received “The Secret”in addition to the normal procedure. The control group was treated according to standard practice.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the rate of in-hospital bleeding according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) consensus definition.ResultsThe rate of bleeding was similar in both groups (“The Secret” group vs control group) with 16% versus 14% (p=0.69) of BARC 1, 12% versus 13% (p=0.81) of BARC 2, and 0% versus 0% of BARC 3 and 5 (p=1.00). Most (76%) of the participants believed that “The Secret”would be efficient in preventing bleeding.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates no effect on bleeding after percutaneous coronary procedures. A large majority of our study population believe that “The Secret”can have a positive effect on their hospital care.