Effect of auricular acupressure on comfort, pain and physiological indices after coronary artery angiography: A randomized controlled trial

Background and Purpose

Interventions to prevent bleeding may cause discomfort after coronary angiography. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of auricular acupressure on comfort, pain intensity, and physiological indices after coronary angiography.

Material and Method

This two-arm (1:1) randomized controlled trial was conducted at Farshchian Heart Center, Hamadan (western Iran) from April to June 2024. Eighty-four eligible patients were split into intervention (n = 42) and control (n = 42) groups. In the intervention group, Vaccaria seeds were stuck at the right ear's TF2, SF5, HX1, and AT2 points for 2 h post-angiography. The control group received no acupressure. The Numeric Rating Scale measured comfort and pain intensity, and physiological indices such as mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation were measured before acupressure and at 60- and 120-min post-intervention.

Results

Analysis of 83 patients showed no significant demographic and clinical differences between groups pre-study (P > 0.05). Significant pain intensity and comfort improvements were noted in the intervention group compared to the control group at 60 and 120 min post-intervention (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant reductions in heart rate and mean arterial pressure were observed in the intervention group (P < 0.05), while no significant differences were found in arterial oxygen saturation between the intervention and control groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Auricular acupressure, an easy, simple, low-cost complementary method, could help in pain management, increase comfort after coronary angiography, and positively affect mean arterial pressure and heart rate. Nurses can play a crucial role in applying these techniques, ensuring proper implementation, and educating patients about their benefits.