Cardiovascular Effect of Electro-acupuncture

Abstract

We have studied changes in both cardiac performance and the peripheral circulation in order to investigate cardiovascular influences due to electro-acupuncture stimulation (EAP) at the two meridian acupoints (Pericardium and Large Intestine) related to cardiovascular activities. 1) No significant changes were seen in blood pressure and heart rate after EAP at P4-6. However, the impedance SV and CO were increased markedly with the same condition of EAP. 2) As for stroke volume and cardiac output, EAP had greater effects than dopamine 4 μg/kg/min and dobutamine 8 μg/kg/min and had almost the same effect as Haemaccel 2 ml/kg (0.25μg/kg/min). 3) No significant changes were seen in blood gas tensions or electrolytes but plasma colloidal osmotic pressure tended to decrease. 4) After EAP at LI 4-10, radial artery was dilated; and the constrictive response of radial artery under the influence of autonomic nerves remained as normal. 5) Changes in cardiac performance, peripheral blood circulation and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were maximal about 10 minutes after EAP was applied. 6) Concerning EAP effects on cardiac performance and peripheral blood circulation and SEP, EAP at P4-6 and LI 4-10 induced significant changes but EAP at non-acupoint had no significant effects. © 1984, Kurume University School of Medicine. All rights reserved.