OBSERVATION ON THE DIFFERENCE OF THE CLINICAL EFFECTS AND THE MAIN POINTS IN THE TREATMENT OF CORONARY DISEASE WITH ACUPUNCTURE

Research Group for Cardiovascular Disease

(Nanning Institute of Acupuncture, Guangxi)

Since 1979, we have treated 61 cases of coronary artery disease with acupuncture. The main acupoint used were Tanzhong, Xinshu and Neiguan in combination with Jueyin-shu, Quchi and Zusanli, Treatment was given once daily and 12 treatments were considered as one course.

Each patient underwent three courses. The effective rate upon angina pectoris was 81.8%; and 75-84,1% upon palpitation and shortening of breathing; the effect upon ECG was 61%, in which improvement of ST-T was 72.7%.

The P-lipoprotein content of 30 cases (out of 61) with increased blood lipids was decreased markedly after treatment. The difference between pre- and post-acupuncture was very significant (P<0.01), but no evident difference upon cholesterol appeared- This result showed that acupuncture was effective to improve angina pectoris, reduce 0-lipoprotein content and relieve other symptoms. Therefore, it was more effective for the change of ST-T segment while less beneficial for other ECG changes.

Upon 30 cases of coronary disease the difference in efficiency of the three main acu-points mentioned above were observed and ECG was used as an index. It might be said that the effects of the main acupoints such as Tanzhong, Neiguan and Xinshu upon the amelioration of ST-T changes of coronary disease are identical.