Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Autonomic Nervous System of Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Patients with hypertension have altered autonomic nervous system function, which are increased sympathetic activity. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a useful modality for pain control and has also been shown to be effective in the reduction of sympathetic activity in healthy subjects and individuals with cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation by the evaluation of heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with essential hypertension.