The Acute Effect of Acupuncture on Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Hypertension: A Pilot, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial

Abstract

This study demonstrates that the acute treatment of acupuncture in hypertensive patients improves endothelial dysfunction. The beneficial effect of acupuncture could be of clinical importance to prevent the progression of cardiovascular diseases in hypertensive patients. However, the potential role of acupuncture treatment for long-term therapy has not been examined. Further studies will be necessary to demonstrate whether long-term acupuncture treatment can sustain the improvement in endothelial dysfunction.