Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 2025

Mouse Electroacupuncture Fixation Device Fabrication for Electroacupuncture Pretreatment in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model
05:58

Mouse Electroacupuncture Fixation Device Fabrication for Electroacupuncture Pretreatment in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model

Published on: April 18, 2025

253

Acupuncture Treatment of a Patient with Bradycardia and Idioventricular Rhythm

Oksana Strakhova1, Alexey Ryzhov1

  • 1Chair of Medical and Pharmaceutical Informatics, Zaporizhzhia State Medical University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies
|December 20, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Acupuncture successfully restored normal heart rhythm in a patient with severe bradycardia and an idioventricular rhythm. This non-invasive treatment also significantly reduced ventricular extrasystole episodes, suggesting further research is warranted.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Integrative Medicine
  • Acupuncture Research

Background:

  • Bradycardia with an idioventricular rhythm presents a significant clinical challenge.
  • Current medical management for this condition primarily relies on pacemaker implantation.
  • Pharmacological interventions for bradycardia with an idioventricular rhythm are considered unreliable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for bradycardia with an idioventricular rhythm.
  • To assess acupuncture's impact on heart rate normalization and ventricular extrasystole frequency.

Main Methods:

  • Case study of a patient diagnosed with bradycardia and an idioventricular rhythm.
  • Application of acupuncture therapy to restore normal cardiac function.
  • Monitoring of heart rhythm, heart rate (BPM), and episodes of ventricular extrasystole before and after treatment.

Main Results:

  • Acupuncture successfully converted the patient's rhythm from bradycardia to normocardia.
  • The patient transitioned from an idioventricular rhythm with third-degree atrioventricular block (34 BPM) to a normal sinus rhythm (71 BPM).
  • Ventricular extrasystole episodes decreased by 36-fold (from 3289 to 91) post-acupuncture treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Acupuncture demonstrated a significant ability to restore normal heart rhythm and rate in a patient with severe bradycardia and an idioventricular rhythm.
  • The observed reduction in ventricular extrasystoles suggests a potential antiarrhythmic effect of acupuncture.
  • Further research into acupuncture as a therapeutic option for cardiac rhythm disorders is strongly indicated.

Keywords:
AcupunctureAtrioventricular blockBradycardiaCase reportElectropunctureIdioventricular rhythmSinus rhythm

More Related Videos

Effects of Different Connection Modes of Electroacupuncture on Electrocardiogram and Nerve Discharge in Rats04:33

Effects of Different Connection Modes of Electroacupuncture on Electrocardiogram and Nerve Discharge in Rats

Published on: January 3, 2025

276
Author Spotlight: Utilizing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture of the Ear to Improve Sleep Disorders05:34

Author Spotlight: Utilizing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture of the Ear to Improve Sleep Disorders

Published on: August 18, 2023

2.4K

Related Concept Videos

Decreased pulse rate01:14

Decreased pulse rate

Bradycardia is a medical condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal. It occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinus node, generates slower electrical impulses than the standard rhythm. In adults, bradycardia is diagnosed when the pulse rate falls below 60 beats per minute, indicating a deviation from the normal heart rate range.
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with...
585
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
28
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
73
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
1.1K
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
19
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias01:16

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism,...
297