Acupuncture on Cardiac and Autonomic Function in Human Heart Failure

Acupuncture treatment may improve the cardiac function and the quality of life in heart failure patients. These effects may be related to the inhibition of sympathetic activity and/or increased vagal function. The suppression of inflammatory reaction with acupuncture treatment may also be associated with these outcomes. Specific aims include: 1. To evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment on human cardiac sympathetic/vagal activity 2. To evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment on cardiac function and functional capacity 3. To evaluate the general health score of the quality-of-life with acupuncture treatment 4. To explore the mechanism of acupuncture treatment on inflammation and nitrative stress in heart failure patients.