Objective

2

To observe the effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with medication on orthostatic hypotension (OH) of

yang

-

qi

deficiency in the elderly.

Methods

2

Sixty elderly patients with OH of

yang

-

qi

deficiency were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases

1 case dropped out) and a control group (30 cases). The patients in the control group were treated with oral midodrine hydrochloride tablets

2.5 mg each time and twice daily

while the patients in the observation group were treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion in addition to the treatment in the control group. Acupoints selected included Dazhui (GV 14)

Fengfu (GV 16)

and Baihui (GV 20)

with each session lasting 30-40 min

once daily. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Blood pressure in the supine and standing positions

as well as the decrease of blood pressure when the position changing from supine to standing

were measured before treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Clinical efficacy was also evaluated.

Results

2

After 4 weeks of treatment

both groups showed an increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in both the supine and standing positions (

P

<

0.05)

and the decrease in SBP and DBP when the position changing from supine to standing was reduced (

P

<

0.05). Compared with the control group

the observation group had higher SBP and DBP in both positions and a smaller decrease in SBP and DBP when the position changing from supine to standing (

P

<

0.05). The total effective rate was 96.6% (28/29) in the observation group

which was higher than 70.0% (21/30) in the control group (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion

2

Heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with medication could increase the blood pressure in both supine and standing positio

n

and decrease the reducing of blood pressure when the position changing from supine to standing in elderly patients with OH of

yang

-

qi

deficiency.