Effect of Electro-Acupuncture on Blood Pressure

Last updated: April 10, 2025
Sponsor: University of California, Irvine
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Stress

Williams Syndrome

Circulation Disorders

Treatment

Electro-acupuncture control

Electro-acupuncture test

Clinical Study ID

NCT00932139
1999-2222
  • Ages 18-85
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Based on previous published research in animals and human, the investigators hypothesize that electroacupuncture (EA) will have a positive effect on hypertension.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients with mild coronary disease, and no significant ECG change reflectingischemia at rest.

  • Patients with high blood pressure with or without antihypertensive medication.

Exclusion

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 ofexercise of psychophysiological stress testing

  • Those with known sensitivity to topical preparations or strong reactions to medicaldressings and skin tapes

Study Design

Total Participants: 160
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Electro-acupuncture control
Phase:
Study Start date:
February 01, 2003
Estimated Completion Date:
December 31, 2027

Study 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 allow us to better understand and modulate the sympathetic nervous discharge activity that can cause hypertension during normal activity and stress in humans. The potential clinical application is the therapeutic value of EA in patients with hypertension.

Furthermore, the study will also investigate gender differences in the blood pressure lowering effect of EA. In particular in middle-aged hypertensive women and men.

Connect with a study center

  • Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute

    Costa Mesa, California 92626
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • General Clinical Research Center (GCRC)

    Irvine, California 92697
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute

    Irvine, California 92617
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

  • UCIMedical Center

    Orange, California 92868
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

Map preview placeholder

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.