Acupuncture for paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation: An effective non-pharmacological tool?

Abstract

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, stimulation of the Neiguan spot has been utilized to treat palpitations and symptoms related to different cardiovascular diseases. We evaluated whether acupuncture might exert an antiarrhythmic effect on patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Two sets of data are reviewed. The first included patients with persistent AF who underwent electrical cardioversion to restore sinus rhythm. The second included patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF. All subjects had normal ventricular function. Acupuncture treatment consisted of 10 acupuncture sessions on a once a week basis with puncturing of the Neiguan, Shenmen and Xinshu spots. In patients with persistent AF, the recurrence rate after acupuncture treatment was similar to that observed in patients on amiodarone, but significantly smaller than that measured after sham acupuncture treatment or in the absence of any antiarrhythmic drugs. In a small group of patients with paroxysmal AF, acupuncture resulted in a significant reduction in the number and duration of symptomatic AF episodes. In conclusion, we observed that acupuncture of the Neiguan spot was associated with an antiarrhythmic effect, which was evident in patients with both persistent and paroxysmal AF. These preliminary data, observed in 2 small groups of AF patients, need to be validated in a larger population but strongly suggest that acupuncture may be an effective non-invasive and safe antiarrhythmic tool in the management of these patients.

Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Modulating Cardiac Arrhythmias

“…150 In another study, acupuncture resulted in a significant reduction in the number and duration of symptomatic AF episodes in a small group of patients with paroxysmal AF. 151 These preliminary data need to be validated in a larger population, but suggest a potential role of acupuncture in the treatment of AF.…”

Ablation of Ganglionated Plexi in the Long Term

“…Recent experimental 30 and clinical 31 studies have demonstrated that low-level nerve stimulation (that does not slow the heart rate and is nonsentient) applied at the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (the tragus of the outer ear) can consistently suppress AF. Other alternative therapies that have been proposed for the treatment of AF include acupuncture 32 and Yoga.…”

Atrial fibrillation cardioversion following acupuncture

“…Likewise, acupuncture significantly affected heart rate variability in healthy subjects. 8 A recent study 9 reported acupuncture efficacy similar to that of “the most active available antiarrhythmic drug”. With respect to these reports, it seems plausible that acupuncture effects could be additive to antiarrhythmic efficacy of conventional pharmacotherapy.…”