A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of acupoint therapy for essential hypertension

BACKGROUND: Essential hypertension remains an enormous public health concern, imposing a major burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Relevant studies showed that acupuncture therapy might be effective in treating essential hypertension. However, there is no consistent conclusion so far. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for patients with essential hypertension. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Wan-fang databases from inception through November 29, 2019. Randomized controlled trials investigating acupuncture therapy for hypertension were included. We will use Endnote software X8 for studies selection, Review Manager software 5.3 for the data analysis. RESULTS: We will synthesize current studies to evaluate the safeties and effectiveness of acupuncture for essential hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Our study will provide the evidence of acupuncture therapy for essential hypertension.