Effect of acupuncture on heart rate variability in coronary heart disease patients

Abstract

The heart rate variability (HRV) of 20 coronary heart disease patients has been determined before and after acupuncture treatment by using frequency domain analysis of HRV. The results showed that there was significant difference between the change of low frequency (LF) components in HRV before and after manipulatory acupuncturing Neiguan group and electro-acupuncturing Neiguan group (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the control group (P > 0.05), also no significant difference on the change of high frequency (HF) components in HRV before and after acupuncture in both groups. In the electro-puncturing group, the LF/HF change was marked (P < 0.05). And in manipulatory acupuncturing group, the value of LF reduced to the lowest level 10 minutes after acupuncture treatment, and then gradually restored 20 to 30 minutes later, without any rebound phenomenon. It suggested that acupuncture could regulate and improve HRV in coronary heart disease patients. Its mechanism might be relevant to the central regulation and neurotransmitter participation.