Acupuncture needles may help tired hearts

NCT ID NCT01804816

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: The Cleveland Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether acupuncture can improve heart function and quality of life in people with chronic heart failure. Fourteen patients received 10 acupuncture sessions over 5 weeks, and each person also served as their own control with a no-treatment period. Researchers measured changes in heart pumping ability, walking distance, and symptom scores.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: acupuncture
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to ease symptoms and improve daily life for heart failure patients.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early study with only 14 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Acupuncture's effects can vary widely.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

congestive heart failure heart failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC HEART FAILURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.