Using acupuncture to lower blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension

Neuroimmune Mechanisms Underlying Electroacupuncture Effect on Vascular Function

This study is testing if acupuncture can help lower blood pressure in people aged 45 to 75 who have mild to moderate hypertension.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 72 (estimated)
• Ages: 45 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of California, Irvine (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Irvine, California and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05530512 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of electroacupuncture therapy on patients with mild to moderate hypertension, aiming to reduce blood pressure levels. Participants, aged 45 to 75, will receive acupuncture treatments once a week for eight weeks, regardless of whether they are on antihypertensive medications. The study focuses on understanding how specific acupuncture points can enhance autonomic nervous system function and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to improved vascular health. The research is designed to address the significant issue of inadequate blood pressure control in hypertensive patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 45 to 75 with mild to moderate hypertension who are either on or off antihypertensive medications.

Not a fit: Patients with severe hypertension, significant cardiac conditions, or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological method to effectively manage blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with acupuncture for hypertension, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects from 45 to 75 years of age
2. Clinically diagnosed with mild to moderate hypertension and ON or OFF medication (Office SBP \> 140 mmHg and \< 160 mmHg Or ABPM average SBP \> 130 mmHg and \< 145 mmHg), and
3. No significant ECG change reflecting ischemia (i.e. ST elevation or depression) at rest will be recruited to participate in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects will be excluded if pregnant or nursing.
2. Subjects will be excluded if they have coronary disease (by history or on ECG screening), 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 neuropathy or severe hypertension (BP \>170 mmHg systolic or \>110 mmHg diastolic), or any other physical or psychological illness.
3. Those with known sensitivity to any topical preparations or strong reactions to medical dressings and skin tapes also will be excluded.
4. Inability our or unwillingness of individual to give written informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Irvine, California and 1 other locations

• Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute — Irvine, California, United States (Recruiting)
• University of California, Irvine, Health Sciences Medical Center — Orange, California, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Shaista Malik — University of California, Irvine
• Study coordinator: Ashwini Erande

Conditions Mild to Moderate Hypertension; hypertension, electroacupuncture