The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy on Myocardial Function

Objectives: In this work we evaluated the effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on echocardiographic parameters in asymptomatic patients.

Background: Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy is successfully implemented for the treatment of several disorders. There is not enough evidence to support hyperbaric oxygenation therapy in cardio-vascular disorders. Limited data is available on the effect of hyperbaric oxygenation therapy on the echocardiographic parameters in asymptomatic patients.

Methods: 31 consecutive patients underwent 60-day course of hyperbaric oxygenation therapy for the purpose of cognitive impairment. In all subjects, echocardiography examination was performed before and after the last hyperbaric oxygenation therapy.

Results: Mean age was 70±9.5years, 28 [90%] were males. History of coronary artery disease was present in 12 [39%]. 94% suffered from hypertension, 42% had diabetes mellitus. Baseline wall motion abnormalities were found in 8 patients, however global ejection fraction [EF] was within normal limits. During the study, EF increased from 60.7±6% to 62.3±5.2%, p=0.02. Left ventricular end systolic volume decreased from 38.1±13.3ml to 35.4±13.3 ml, p=0.01. Left ventricular mass index [LVMi] decreased from 126.3±28.6 g/m² to 88±21.7 g/m², p=e¯¹¹. Myocardial performance index improved, 0.26±0.1 to 0.29±0.1, p=0.03. LV global strain increased from -19.3±3.2% to -20.1±3.3%, p=0.036. Twist increased from 18.3±6.7° to 23.1±6.3° p=0.01, due to better apical rotation, 11.8±4.4° to 16.1±5.6, p=0.004. Regional strain increased significantly in the apical and the anterior- septal segments.

Conclusions: Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy appears to significantly improve left ventricular function, in particular in the apical segments.