OBJECTIVETo compare the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture and western medication on blood pressure variability in young patients with hypertension.

METHODSSixty cases of hypertension in young patients were randomized into an electroacupuncture group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each one. In electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied on Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3). In western medication group, Captopril was taken orally. Twenty-four hour dynamic blood pressure, blood pressure variability and day-night rhythm were observed after 14 days treatment in two groups.

RESULTSElectroacupuncture on Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3) reduced systolic pressure and diastolic pressure at different time phases in young patients with hypertension (all P < 0.01), which did not present significant statistical difference as compared with western medication group (all P > 0.05). Electroacupuncture on Quchi (Li, 11) and Taichong (LR 3) reduced apparently the standard deviations of systolic pressure and diastolic pressure at different time phases in young patients with hypertension, indicating significant statistical differences as compared with the deviations before the treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The statistical significance presented in 24 h systolic standard deviation (24 h SSD), 24 h diastolic standard deviation (24 h DSD), daytime SSD (dSSD), nighttime SSD (nSSD) and nighttime DSD (nDSD) between two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In comparison of the numbers of Dippers and non-Dippers in two groups, the significant statistical difference presented between two groups after treatment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONElectroacupuncture on Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3) has long-term antihypertensive effect and improves effectively day-night rhythm variation in young patients with hypertension. Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3) are the effective pair points for hypertension treated with acupuncture.