OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy difference in treatment of borderline hypertension between acupuncture combined with anti-hypertensive plaster and simple acupuncture.

METHODSSixty patients of borderline hypertension were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the observation group, acupuncture was applied to Fengchi (GB 20), Taichong (LR 3) and the others, once a day, 5 treatments made one session. There were 2 days at interval among the sessions. Totally, 4 sessions were required. Additionally, in combination, the anti-hypertensive plaster was prepared with the fine powder of Chuanxiong (ligusticum wallichii) and Wuzhuyu (fructus evodiae) at 1.1 and mixed with vinegar. The plaster was applied to the umbilicus, once every two days, totally 15 times were required. In the control group, acupuncture was given simply. The selected acupoints and operation were the same as the observation group. Before and after treatment, blood pressure and syndrome score were observed and the short-term and long-term efficacies were assessed in the two groups.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the systolic pressure and diastolic pressure were reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.001), and the differences were significant in comparison between the observation group and the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The syndrome score after treatment was reduced as compared with that before treatment in the two groups (both P<0.001) and the difference was not significant in comparison between the two groups (P>0.05). In follow-up of the effective cases and remarkably effective cases in 3 months, the total effective rate in the observation group was 89.3% (25/28) and was 60.0% (15/25) in the control group, indicating the significant difference in comparison (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture combined with anti-hypertensive plaster is the effective method in prevention and treatment of borderline hypertension. Regarding the long-term efficacy, this combined therapy achieves the superior improvement in the symptoms and physical signs of the patients of borderline hypertension as compared with simple acupuncture.