|
By Richter A; Herlitz J; Hjalmarson A.
Effect of acupuncture in patients with angina pectoris.
European Heart Journal, 1991 Feb, 12(2):175-8.
(UI: 91257019)
Pub type: Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial.
AT: UCLA Biomed W1 EU718
(PE title: European heart journal.)
Abstract: Twenty-one patients with stable effort angina pectoris were
randomized in a crossover study to 4 weeks traditional Chinese acupuncture
or placebo tablet treatment. The patients had at least five anginal attacks
per week in spite of intensive treatment. Acupuncture was given three times
per week at main points Neiguan (Pericardium 6), Tongli (Heart 5), Xinshu
(Urinary Bladder 15), Pishu (Urinary Bladder 20) and Zusanli (Stomach 36).
Previous antianginal treatment remained unchanged during the whole study.
During the acupuncture period, the number of anginal attacks per week was
reduced from 10.6 to 6.1 compared with placebo (p less than 0.01).
Accordingly, the performance before onset of pain during exercise test
increased from 82 W to 94 W (P less than 0.05). However, maximal
performance did not increase after acupuncture. Intensity of pain at
maximal workload decreased from 1.4 to 0.8 (scale 0-4, P less than 0.01).
Further, ST-segment depressions at maximal comparable load decreased from
1.03 to 0.71 mm after acupuncture (P less than 0.01). A life quality
questionnaire confirmed improved feeling of well-being. Thus, acupuncture
showed an additional beneficial effect in patients with severe, intensively
treated angina pectoris. |