Reduction of Blood Pressure by Electro Acupuncture in Mild to Moderate Hypertensive Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial
Journal Title: Journal of Intensive and Critical Care - Year 2017, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
There is a growing interest in integrative medical treatments such as acupuncture on hypertension although therapy to control high blood pressure (BP) is available. We have demonstrated in a series of experimental investigations the mechanisms and actions of acupuncture and electro acupuncture (EA) in models of elevated BP associated with reflex induced sympathoexcitation [1-4]. These studies suggest that bilateral EA at select acupoints PC5- 6 and ST36-37, in contrast to EA at LI6-7 and GB37-39, inhibits sympathetically-mediated reflex responses lowering BP through cardiovascular regions in the brain and specific neurotransmitter systems. The experimental findings provided guidance in designing the clinical study to proof the overall hypothesis that weekly EA at PC5-6+ST36-37 but not LI6-7+GB37-39 acupoints for 8 weeks decreases BP for a prolonged period of time in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. We have used 24 h ambulatory blood pressure measurements to monitor EAinhibition of peak and average systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) and to identify high and low responders to EA. In a cross-over and double blinded design, we have shown that EA application to acupoints PC5-6+ST36-37 for 8 weeks reduces peak and average SBP by 8 and 6 mm Hg in the overall group. Of interest, in high responders EA decreases peak and average SBP by 16 and 11 mm Hg. Following 8 weeks of EA treatment, sympathetic activity reduces and therefore ultimately norepinephrine, reninaldosterone- system. In a subgroup of patients, we observed a long-lasting blood pressure lowering acupuncture effect for at least an additional four weeks after the end of EA treatment.
Authors and Affiliations
Stephanie C Tjen-A-Looi
Keywords
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- EP ID EP299567
- DOI 10.21767/2471-8505.100061
- Views 65
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