Effects of catgut-embedding acupuncture technique on nitric oxide levels and blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension

[摘要] Hypertension is common a health problem and its prevalence in Indonesia is quite high (31.7%). Catgut embedding - an acupuncture technique - is known to reduce blood pressure; however, no study has confirmed the underlying mechanism. This study examines the effect of catgut embedding on serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration and blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. Forty hypertension patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the control group received anti-hypertensive drugs whereas the case group received anti-hypertensive drugs and catgut embedding. Results showed a statistically significant mean difference in NO concentration (p

[发布机构] Department of Medical Acupuncture, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia^1;Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia^2

[效力级别] 医药卫生 [学科分类] 卫生学

[关键词] Control groups;Essential hypertension;Hypertensive drug;Indonesia;NO concentration;Systolic and diastolic blood pressures