Effect of Electroacupuncture on Blood Pressure and Quality of Life in Patients with Primary Hypertension: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction
Hypertension is a chronic condition that is marked by its severity, incapacitating nature, and considerable financial burden due to its potentially fatal consequences. Both public health and economic elements are being impacted by the rising incidence of Hypertension. Purpose: To investigate the impact of electroacupuncture on blood pressure and quality of life in patients with primary hypertension.

Material and methods
Forty patients from both sexes aged 50–60 years who were diagnosed with primary hypertension were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 20 for each) .The study group received the transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) 40 minutes per treatment session, thrice weekly for six consecutive weeks plus routine medical therapy, whereas the control group underwent routine medical therapy only. The dependent variables namly systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR) , nitric oxide, sleep quality, and Quality of life, were evaluated at the beginning and end of this study.

Results
Within study group, statistical analysis showed a significant change between the mean values of all dependent variables before and after treatment (p < 0.001), whereas control group showed a significant difference only for SBP, DBP, HR (p < 0.001) and sleep quality (p < 0.05).Yet, there was a significant change after treatment in all dependent variables in favor of study group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
TEAS as an added technique to routine medical treatment is proven to reduce blood pressure and enhance quality of life in primary hypertensive patients.