Clinical effects of hyperbaric oxygenation in the treatment of ischemic heart disease

Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) is used in combination therapy for various diseases. HBO increases oxygen delivery to tissues, improves angiogenesis, and prevents thrombus formation. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of HBO in patients with ischemic heart disease. The study included 40 patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). The treatment course included standard therapy for ischemic heart disease in accordance with the Clinical Guidelines, as well as HBO using “mild” modes (1.4/55 and 1.5/55 ATA) with the BLKS 303MK device. No adverse events were observed in the patients during the HBO course. During the HBO course, no adverse events were observed in the patients. The use of HBO in treating patients is accompanied by a reduction in inflammatory activity and oxidative stress, normalization of carbohydrate metabolism, and an increase in HDL. The survey results showed a positive effect of HBO on the cognitive functions, psychological status, and physical status of the patients: the proportion of patients with normal cognitive functions increased from 30 % to 97.5 %; the severity of anxiety and depression according to the HADS scale decreased; the frequency of subclinical anxiety and subclinical depression, as well as the intensity of pain, decreased. According to the SF36, physical functioning, overall health status, social functioning, and the physical component of health improved statistically significantly; the total SF36 score increased from 85.2 (77.2–92.4) to 91.5 (84.5–95) points (p<0.001). Tolerance to physical exertion increased: the distance covered in the 6minute walk test increased from 400 (350–400) to 428 (400–450) m (p < 0.001).