To investigate the efficacy of Buyang Huanwu Decoction combined with "Shao's Five-Needle Technique" in treating unstable angina pectoris (UA) of coronary heart disease.

Using a random number table method, 120 patients with UA of coronary heart disease admitted to Baoji Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to July 2024 were divided into a decoction group, an acupuncture group, and a combination group, with 40 cases in each group. All three groups received conventional treatment. Additionally, the decoction group was treated with Buyang Huanwu Decoction, the acupuncture group was treated with "Shao's Five-Needle Technique," and the combination group was treated with Buyang Huanwu Decoction combined with "Shao's Five-Needle Technique." One treatment course consisted of 10 days, and all groups were treated for 2 courses. The clinical efficacy of angina pectoris, electrocardiogram efficacy, and adverse reactions were compared among the three groups. TCM syndrome scores, clinical symptoms, cardiac function, blood lipids, and serum inflammatory indicators were recorded before and after treatment in each group.

The overall comparison of the total clinical effective rates and total electrocardiogram effective rates among the three groups showed statistically significant differences (P <0.05). After treatment, the total TCM syndrome scores, clinical symptom-related indicators of angina pectoris, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) decreased in all three groups compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05). The combination group had lower total TCM syndrome scores, clinical symptoms of angina pectoris, TC, LDL-C, and serum inflammatory-related indicators than the decoction group and acupuncture group (P <0.05). After treatment, the cardiac ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased in all three groups compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05). The combination group had higher EF and SV than the decoction group and acupuncture group (P <0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in any indicators between the decoction group and the acupuncture group (P > 0.05). The comparison of the total incidence of adverse reactions among the three groups showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).

Buyang Huanwu Decoction combined with "Shao's Five-Needle Technique" is safe and effective in treating UA of coronary heart disease. It significantly improves angina symptoms and cardiac function, with notable lipid-regulating and anti-inflammatory effects.