Electro-acupuncture's effect on lowering blood pressure
Official title: Neural Mechanism of the Effect of Acupuncture on Hypertension
Run by University of California, Irvine · NCT00932139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether electro-acupuncture can help lower blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension, especially looking at how it works for different genders.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Irvine Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Irvine, California and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 2003 |
| Main results expected | September 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT00932139 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals with mild coronary disease and high blood pressure, with or without antihypertensive medication.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe coronary disease, significant ECG abnormalities, or other serious health conditions 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 study investigates the impact of electro-acupuncture (EA) on reducing blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. It aims to demonstrate that EA can decrease hypertensive responses both at rest and under stress, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms involved. The research will assess how EA affects sympathetic nervous system activity and its potential therapeutic benefits for hypertensive patients, with a focus on gender differences in response. Participants will receive either a control or test EA intervention to evaluate these effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option for managing hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for electro-acupuncture in managing hypertension, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 psychophysiological stress testing * Those with known sensitivity to topical preparations or strong reactions to medical dressings and skin tapes
Where it's running
-
Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute
Irvine, California, United States Recruiting -
UCIMedical Center
Orange, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shaista Malik, MD, PhD, MPH — University of California, Irvine
- Study coordinator: Stephanie Tjen-A-Looi, PhD
- Email: stjenalo@uci.edu
- Phone: 9494005909
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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.