Effect of Electro-Acupuncture on Blood Pressure

The purpose of this study is to prove: (1) Myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrhythmias and
hypertensive response at rest and provoked by stress are decreased by EA; (2) The mechanism
of the ischemic response is an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand
originating as an increase in autonomic nervous system sympathetic activity causing increased
oxygen demand. EA inhibits the sympathetic nervous system, decreases blood pressure and
reduces the oxygen demand. Our prior data in animals shows that improvements in
cardiovascular function during myocardial ischemia are mediated by an EA-induced sensory
neural reflex originating in somatic nerves to reduce sympathetic nerve activity. The
specific aims of the present study will allow us to better understand and modulate the
sympathetic nervous discharge activity that can precipitate coronary ischemia, arrhythmias
and hypertension in exercise stress in humans. The potential clinical application is the
therapeutic value of EA in patients with hypertension.

Furthermore, the study will also investigate gender differences in the blood pressure
lowering effect of EA. In particular in middle-aged hypertensive women.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients with mild coronary disease, and no significant ECG change reflecting ischemia
at rest

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