Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and chronic intractable angina pectoris

The treatment trial being reported investigated whether the frequency and severity of pain in 11 patients with chronic intractable angina pectoris were decreased by TENS applied adjacent to T1 and T5 spinous processes. Pulse and blood pressure were measured before, during and after each treatment. Results showed a significant decrease in frequency and severity of pain. Rate pressure product was calculated to try to identify the mode of action. The mean RPP before TENS application, compared with the mean RPP at 30 minutes and at 90 minutes, was significantly reduced. It was concluded from these results that TENS should be considered as an adjunct to medical management in those patients with angina pectoris not satisfactorily controlled by optimal medication.