Neural Mechanism of the Effect of Acupuncture on Hypertension
University of California, Irvine
Summary
Based on previous published research in animals and human, the investigators hypothesize that electroacupuncture (EA) will have a positive effect on hypertension.
Description
The purpose of this study is to prove: (1) hypertensive response at rest and provoked by stress are decreased by EA; (2) The mechanisms of EA that reduces elevated blood pressure. EA inhibits the sympathetic nervous system, decreases blood pressure and reduces the oxygen demand. Our prior data in animals shows that improvements in cardiovascular function during myocardial ischemia, reflex hypertension and sustained hypertension are mediated by an EA-induced sensory neural reflex originating in somatic nerves to reduce sympathetic nerve activity. The specific aims of the present study will allo…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with mild coronary disease, and no significant ECG change reflecting ischemia at rest. * Patients with high blood pressure with or without antihypertensive medication. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or nursing women * Individuals with severe coronary disease (continuous angina) * Conduction abnormalities on ECG consistent with left bundle branch block * Cardiac arrhythmias associated with low blood pressure (90 mmHg) * Peripheral vascular disease * Orthopedic disease * Diabetic or psychological illness that could interfere with safe performance of exercise of…
Interventions
- ProcedureElectro-acupuncture control
First visit, blood pressure monitoring for 60 minutes at rest, then monitoring for subsequent 24 hours to measure BP and heart rate. At next 6-8 visits, Electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment for 30 minutes will be administered. BP and heart rate measurements will be taken 30 minutes before and after EA.
- ProcedureElectro-acupuncture test
First visit, blood pressure monitoring for 60 minutes at rest, then monitoring for subsequent 24 hours to measure BP and heart rate. At next 6-8 visits, Electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment for 30 minutes will be administered. BP and heart rate measurements will be taken 30 minutes before and after EA. At end of 8-week treatment, 24 hours blood pressure and heart rate will be measured.
Locations (2)
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health InstituteIrvine, California
- UCIMedical CenterOrange, California