Is Acupuncture Effective for Hypertension? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine the efficacy of acupuncture for hypertension.

Method

Seven electronic databases were searched on April 13, 2014 to include eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data were extracted and risk of bias was assessed. Subgroup analyses and meta- analysis were performed.

Results

23 RCTs involving 1788 patients were included. Most trials had an unclear risk of bias regarding allocation concealment, blinding, incomplete outcome data and selective reporting. Compared with sham acupuncture plus medication, a meta-analysis of 2 trials revealed that acupuncture as an adjunct to medication was more effective on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure change magnitude (n=170, SBP: mean difference (MD)= -7.47,95% confidence intervals (CI):-10.

SUBMITTER: Zhao XF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4514875 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature