Application of propensity scores to estimate the association between cardiovascular disease and meridian energy

Introduction: Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the heart is regarded as the main internal organ governing the body and mind. TCM doctors believe that abnormalities in the organ may be reflected on the meridians. However, there are few studies linking meridian energy to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to explore the net impact of CVD on the balance of yin and yang and overall meridian energy. Methods: In this retrospective study, health examination data was obtained from patients at a university hospital between 2005-2012. Adult participants who underwent physiological health and meridian energy examinations on the same day were recruited into the study. The physiological examination consisted of blood tests and diagnostic data from the patients' medical charts. Meridian energy was examined using a meridian energy analysis device. We compared the differences of meridian energy between participants with and without CVD, having adjusted for the propensity scores. Results: The mean meridian energy of 2875 adult participants was 24.5. μA (SD = 18.1). Eighty-six participants (2.99%) had cardiovascular disease. The regression model showed that current cardiovascular disease was negatively associated with overall, yin, and yang meridian energy (overall: adjusted β = -6.03, 95% CI: -9.95 to -0.21; yin: adjusted β = -6.16, 95% CI:-10.35 to -1.97; yang: adjusted β = -5.89, 95% CI: -9.67 to -2.12). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the occurrence of CVD was associated with low meridian energy. Further studies on the mechanisms linking CVD and meridian energy are recommended.