Acupuncture for reducing pain in stable angina
Official title: Effects of Acupuncture on Symptoms of Stable Angina: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06311461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a specific acupuncture treatment can help people with stable angina feel less pain compared to those who just watch talks for five weeks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 112 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06311461 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 21 and older with a diagnosis of stable angina or chest pain syndrome who have been on medical therapy for at least one month and experience symptoms weekly.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant, have cognitive or physical limitations, or are using certain medications like steroids or analgesics may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized 12-point acupuncture protocol in alleviating pain for individuals suffering from stable angina. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture treatments or engage in attention control activities, such as watching non-pain related talks, over a period of five weeks. The study will assess various pain metrics and health-related quality of life measures to determine the impact of acupuncture on angina symptoms and overall patient outcomes. The long-term goal is to improve symptom management for diverse populations affected by angina, particularly those facing social disadvantages.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological option for managing pain in patients with stable angina.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results for acupuncture in managing chronic pain conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach for stable angina.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of stable angina or chest pain syndrome for at least 1 month (pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest or other areas of the upper body) * Treated with medical therapy for at least 1 month * Experiencing symptoms at least once per week * Speak and read English * 21 years of age minimum Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy as some acupuncture points included in the protocol are contraindicated in pregnancy * Physical or cognitive limitations that will prevent informed consent or completion of study tasks * Use of steroid or prescription analgesic medications * Concomitant biofeedback, professional massage and acupuncture.
Where it's running
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UCLA School of Nursing
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Holli A. DeVon, PhD — University of California, Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Holli A. DeVon, PhD
- Email: hdevon@sonnet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 3109107283
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Advanced invasive diagnosis for post-PCI angina in patients referred for coronary angiography
This study tests a specialized invasive approach to find the cause of angina in people who previously had PCI and are now referred for coronary angiography.
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Lesion-specific angina thresholds measured during invasive coronary testing
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SirPlux Duo dual-API drug-coated balloon to treat new and in‑stent coronary blockages
This study tests the SirPlux Duo drug‑coated balloon in adults with symptomatic coronary artery disease who have either new (de novo) small vessel blockages or in‑stent restenosis to see if it is safe and works well.
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Beta-blockers to improve coronary blood flow and resistance in people with angina and no blocked coronary arteries
This trial will see if a beta-blocker (metoprolol) helps people with angina but no obstructive coronary arteries by improving coronary blood flow and lowering small-vessel resistance compared with a placebo.
-
Effects of aerobic exercise on heart function in patients with heart disease
This study tests whether different types of aerobic exercise can improve heart function in patients with heart disease who have recently had treatment.
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Artificial intelligence to find causes of angina with no blocked arteries (ANOCA)
This project will test whether AI analysis of intracoronary ECG and Holter monitoring can help identify vasospasm or microvascular problems in people with ongoing angina but no obstructed coronary arteries.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.