Acupuncture needles may help tired hearts

NCT ID NCT01804816

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States