The effect of acupressure on pain level and hemodynamic parameters after coronary angiography: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

BackgroundSubsequent to coronary angiography, procedures performed to prevent bleeding may cause pain in the patient. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of acupressure on pain level and hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing coronary angiography.MethodIn this prospective, a two-arm (1:1), randomized controlled trial was conducted, with 124 patients undergoing coronary angiography included. The randomly assigned study group (n = 62) received acupressure on the LI4 (on the dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones), PC6 (three fingers above the wrist), and LI11 (at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease) points for 15 min 2 h after angiography, while the control group (n = 62) received no acupressure. Data were collected using the visual pain scale (VAS) and hemodynamic parameters [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2)], monitoring form before, immediately after, and at 10, 20, and 30 min after acupressure.ResultsIn the study, it was found that patients had moderate pain after coronary angiography (study group: 5.02 ± 2.27; control group: 3.98 ± 1.82). When the groups were compared, it was found that the VAS score of the study group before angiography was significantly higher than that of the control group, but lower than the control group immediately after acupressure, and at 10, 20, and 30 min after acupressure. In addition, it was determined that acupressure was significantly higher in DBP and RR in the study group compared to the control group at 20 and 30 min; it was not effective in terms of SBP, HR, and SpO2 values.ConclusionThe results of the study indicated that patients reported moderate pain after coronary angiography, and that acupressure was effective in reducing the pain level, but affected only the DBP and RR hemodynamic parameters. Since the study was single-centered and followed for a short time, it is recommended to conduct new studies with a longer duration.

Effect of acupressure on pain intensity and physiological indices in patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: a randomized double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial

“…Pain during ESWL increases the risk of kidney hematoma with increased blood pressure [ 7 ]. Our study revealed significant effects of acupressure on patients' systolic blood pressure during the peak of shockwave energy, which is not consistent with the study of Düzel et al [ 34 ]. Khoram et al also found that massaging three points, HT7, EX-HN3, and GB20, effectively reduced anxiety, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure in patients before open-heart surgery [ 13 ].…”

“…Şolt Kirca et al showed that the pain-relieving effects of acupressure at points LV4 and LI4 last for about 120 min [ 16 ]. Corresponding to these findings, Düzel et al (2023) reported beneficial effects in reducing pain in patients after angiography [ 34 ]. However, one study did not find a significant effect of acupressure on the pain of colic patients [ 11 ].…”

“…Nociceptive effects are associated with increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate [ 34 ]. Pain during ESWL increases the risk of kidney hematoma with increased blood pressure [ 7 ].…”

“…Khoram et al also found that massaging three points, HT7, EX-HN3, and GB20, effectively reduced anxiety, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure in patients before open-heart surgery [ 13 ]. The difference may be due to the different locations of the acupressure points and the employment of multiple points [ 34 ], in contrast to a single point used for massage in our study. Differences in outcome assessment duration, sample size, and cultural characteristics of research samples [ 13 ] are the other potential reasons for this difference.…”