OBJECTIVETo compare clinical effects of acupuncture combined with medication and simple medication on intractable angina pectoris (IAP).

METHODSSeventy cases of IAP were randomly divided into two groups, a control group and a treatment group, 35 cases in each group. The control group were treated with nitric acid ester, beta-receptor blocking agent, calcium antagonist, aspirin and hypo-molecular heparin, and the treatment group were treated with acupuncture at Danzhong (CV 17) and Neiguan (PC 6) and others, once daily for 10 consecutive days on the basis of the above treatment.

RESULTSThe total effective rates for symptoms and electrocardiogram were 88.6% and 62.9% in the treatment group and 60.0% and 31.4% in the control group, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups; the incidence of acute heart attack and sudden death of 5.7% in the treatment group was lower than 20.0% in the control group, with no serious adverse effect.

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture combined with medication is safe and effective for intractable angina pectoris and it can improve short-term prognosis.