Low-frequency transcutaneous nerve stimulation in mild/moderate hypertension

Clin Physiol. 1991 Mar;11(2):161-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-097x.1991.tb00109.x.

Abstract

Low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation may induce widespread cutaneous and muscular vasodilatation in animals and humans due to sympatho-inhibition. This response has in humans been shown to be associated with a lowering of the systemic vascular resistance and arterial pressure. In the present study the effectiveness of low-frequency (2 Hz) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TNS) has been examined in 46 patients, all 41-43 years of age, with a primary diagnosis of uncomplicated mild/moderate hypertension (90-115 mmHg diastolic pressure). The study was designed blind with matched controls in a TNS group and a placebo group. The blood pressure was measured objectively with an automatic monitor. In a short-term experiment TNS produced a significant lowering of systolic, mean arterial, and diastolic pressures amounting to 8 mmHg (P less than 0.01), 6 mmHg (P less than 0.01), and 4 mmHg (P less than 0.02), respectively. In a long-term study, after 2 weeks of daily stimulation, a similar depression was recorded with no stimulation on the day of examination. An eventual clinical use of the depressor effect of TNS demands further clinical research.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiopathology*
  • Synaptic Transmission
  • Time Factors
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation*