Acute effects of acupuncture on hemodynamics variables in outpatients with compensated chronic heart failure

Abstract

Purpose: Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) present impairement in functional capacity that decrease the ability to perform daily-life activities reducing the quality of life. Technics of acupuncture has been used in patients with hypertension, but its effects on patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) is poor knowed. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of acunpuncture on non-invasive hemodynamic variables in patients with conpensated chronic heart failure. Methods: Following a prospective, transversal, non-controlled protocol, in two moments, nine patients with conpensated CHF (4 male; 5 female; age 60±12 years; BMI 28,4±4 kg/cm2, NYHA class II,III) underwent acupuncture 30 min in a lyin down position. Acupoints used in this present study was followed by previous individual based oriental assesment, performed after experimental phase: CS6, C7. F2, BP3, BP6. IG4 in the midst of others. Statistcal analysis was performed by student-t test for measures before and after. All results are expressed as means ± SEM and P < 0,05 was considered significant. Results: Acupuncture decreased resting heart rate (Pre: 84±13; Post (5min): 77±16 bpm; P<0 05) and sistolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure (Pre: 119±13; Post: 112±15mmHg; P<0.05; Pre; 77±11; Post; 67±9mmHg; P<0.05; Pre: 91 ±11; Post: 82±11mmHg; P<0.05) respectivally. During acupuncture, PP increased (Pre: 44±6; Post: 48±5mmHg). but did not change Sp02 (P=0.161). Conclusion: In this present study, acupuncture has been showed a save technic in patients with heart failure. This method decreased signftcantlly hemodynamic paramethers in patients with stable CHF and best effects was showed at 20 min during session decreasing HR and BP. A control protocol is necessary to evaluate the magnitude of this effects. Future clinical trials should investigate whether this effect is associated with improved clinical outcome.