Understanding how electroacupuncture affects blood vessel function in older adults
Official title: Neuroimmune mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture effect on vascular function
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10903783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how electroacupuncture might help lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel health in older adults with high blood pressure, aiming to find new ways to treat this common condition without just relying on medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $598,782 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AT011306-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing hypertension and have not achieved adequate blood pressure control with standard medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those whose hypertension is well-controlled with current treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of electroacupuncture on blood pressure and vascular function, particularly in older adults. It aims to understand the neuroimmune mechanisms involved in hypertension, a condition that affects many seniors. By using advanced techniques like neuroanatomical mapping and neurophysiological recordings, the study seeks to identify specific acupuncture points that can effectively lower blood pressure and improve autonomic function. The goal is to provide a more effective treatment option for hypertension that goes beyond traditional medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved blood pressure management and overall cardiovascular health for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown mixed results with acupuncture for hypertension, indicating that this mechanistic approach may provide new insights and improvements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malik, Shaista — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Malik, Shaista
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.