Acupuncture on Cardiac and Autonomic Function in Human Heart Failure (NCT01804816) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Acupuncture on Cardiac and Autonomic Function in Human Heart Failure
United States14 participantsStarted 2013-05-13
Plain-language summary
Acupuncture treatment may improve the cardiac function and the quality of life in heart failure patients. These effects may be related to the inhibition of sympathetic activity and/or increased vagal function. The suppression of inflammatory reaction with acupuncture treatment may also be associated with these outcomes. Specific aims include:
1. To evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment on human cardiac sympathetic/vagal activity
2. To evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment on cardiac function and functional capacity
3. To evaluate the general health score of the quality-of-life with acupuncture treatment
4. To explore the mechanism of acupuncture treatment on inflammation and nitrative stress in heart failure patients.
Who can participate
Age range
21 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age ≥ 21 years
* Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-III, Left Ventricular Eject Fraction (LVEF) ≤40%
* All patients will have sinus rhythm and compensate with individually optimized standard heart failure medications. Routine medications will be continued during the study period
* Able and willing to give informed consent or comply with study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Acupuncture treatment within 3 months before the beginning of the study
* Presents with cutaneous eczema at potential acupoints
* Have a history of major bleeding or increased propensity of excessive bleeding due to platelet dysfunction
* Currently taking anti-coagulants (e.g. warfarin)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial tested acupuncture specifically in people with chronic heart failure, measuring heart pumping function (LVEF) and how far patients could walk in 6 minutes — could you help me understand what the results actually showed, and whether they suggest any meaningful benefit worth considering in my situation?
2Since this study has already completed, has the data been published anywhere, and if so, what did it find about whether acupuncture improved heart function or exercise capacity in heart failure patients?
3Acupuncture is a complementary approach, not a standard heart failure treatment — if I were to explore acupuncture, how would you recommend balancing it alongside my current medications or other therapies, and is there any risk of it interfering with my care?
4The trial measured the 6-minute walk distance, which reflects how much daily activity a person can handle — given where I am with my heart failure right now, is that kind of functional improvement something we should be actively working toward, and what approaches do you think are most likely to help?
5Since this was a completed trial rather than an ongoing one, would participating in a similar or follow-up study be an option for me, or do you think standard treatments or other evidence-based therapies would be a better starting point given my current condition?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.