Association between acupuncture and grade 1 hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Zhang M, Zhu Y, Wang J, Li Y, Hua Z · Complementary Therapies in Medicine · 2022 November
DOI 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101649
Objective
Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that can be potentially effective for treating high blood pressure. Grade 1 hypertension is a relatively mild form of hypertension. This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in patients with grade 1 hypertension.
Conclusions
This review suggests an effect of acupuncture treatment on grade 1 hypertension, showing that acupuncture can help lower blood pressure and cause fewer adverse reactions than other treatments. Owing to few limitations, higher quality of randomised controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to better evaluate the results of acupuncture in the treatment of grade 1 hypertension.
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Insights
Acupuncture, when combined with lifestyle changes, can effectively lower blood pressure in grade 1 hypertension patients with fewer side effects
This review analyzed 10 studies on acupuncture treatment for grade 1 hypertension. Acupuncture, in combination with lifestyle adjustments, was found to be more effective than lifestyle modification alone, placebo, or no treatment, resulting in reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure with higher response rates. Adverse effects were mild.
