Abstract 9895: Acupuncture Shows Early Efficacy for Pain Reduction in Stable Angina

Introduction: Despite a notable 32.7% decline in mortality from ischemic heart disease since 1999, the prevalence of stable angina has not decreased. Up to 30% of patients have suboptimal pain relief even though they receive guideline-directed care. The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate preliminary efficacy of a standardized 12-point acupuncture prescription for reduction of pain, and improved functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for individuals with stable angina. Hypothesis: Acupuncture therapy would result in a reduction in pain and associated symptoms in individuals with stable angina. Methods: We conducted a randomized attention-controlled trial. Participants were enrolled from a predominantly urban minority community. Eligibility criteria included a diagnosis of stable angina for ≥1 month and experiencing symptoms at least once per week. Patients received either the standardized acupuncture protocol, twice a week for 5 weeks, or viewed videos unrelated to pain or heart disease. Outcome variables were measured with the McGill Pain Questionnaire Average Pain Intensity and pain now (at each visit) scales, and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multivariable analyses of variance tests were performed. Results: The sample (n=24) had a mean age 59 + 12 years, was predominantly female (63%), and minority (8% White, 46% Black, 38% Hispanic, and 8% other). At study completion, primary outcomes of average pain intensity, worst pain in the last 24 hours, and pain now, were significantly lower in the acupuncture group. There was a significant improvement in functional status, symptoms, and HRQoL for the acupuncture group (Table) . Conclusions: A standardized acupuncture protocol shows promise as a complementary therapy for symptom control for individuals with stable angina who are receiving care in a cardiology clinic which serves urban minorities.