ewu,

Thanks for your question. 

First of all, I'm not sure I would blame the Chinese medicine for his new symptoms.  He has had his heart disease for thirty years and these symptoms are new.  I would want to find out what is causing the night sweats, which are not common symptoms of chronic heart disease, and more likely are caused by some other process going on.  Sweats can occur with heart disease, but in more acute situations like chest pain caused by coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, and heart attacks.

Your uncle needs to see his physician for a full evaluation.  Night sweats could indicate an infection somewhere, or the possibility of malignancy such as lymphoma.  It's impossible to tell with his being seen and fully evaluated.  He will need a full history, physical, screening blood work, and chest X-ray.  The results of these will help direct any further workup.  If all is negative, then there is another level of testing that would be required.

So make an appointment as soon as possible.  Be sure to let the doctor know all of his medications as well as any herbal preparations he is taking.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.