Outcome

The study provides compelling evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) significantly improves various parameters of heart function in asymptomatic patients. Over a 60-session course of HBOT notable improvements were observed in ejection fraction left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) myocardial performance index (MPi) left ventricular global longitudinal strain and cardiac twist.

Introduction

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has long been recognized for its benefits in various medical conditions but its impact on heart function particularly in asymptomatic patients remains an area of keen interest. This study examines the effects of HBOT on heart function and cardiac performance by focusing on echocardiographic parameters in thirty-one predominantly male individuals with an average age of 70. These patients many with underlying conditions like coronary artery disease hypertension and diabetes mellitus underwent 60 HBOT sessions. Assessments before and after therapy unveiled significant improvements in ejection fraction left ventricular end systolic volume myocardial performance index global longitudinal strain and cardiac twist. The improvements were particularly notable in the apical regions of the left ventricle. These findings suggest that HBOT could be a valuable therapeutic option for enhancing heart function and potentially benefiting patients with heart failure and systolic dysfunction.

Results

The study evaluated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on heart function in asymptomatic patients. A cohort of 31 participants mainly male with an average age of 70 completed 60 HBOT sessions. Key findings were derived from echocardiographic assessments conducted before and after the HBOT regimen.

Significant improvements were observed in multiple cardiac parameters. The ejection fraction (EF) which quantifies the percentage of blood ejected from the heart with each contraction rose from 60.71% to 62.29% (p = 0.02). Simultaneously the left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV)—the volume of blood remaining in the left ventricle post-contraction—decreased from 38.08 ml to 35.39 ml (p = 0.01). The myocardial performance index (MPi) indicative of overall heart pumping efficiency showed improvement from 0.29 to 0.26 (p = 0.03).

Enhanced myocardial function was further evidenced by an increase in left ventricular global longitudinal strain recorded from -19.31% to -20.16% (p = 0.036) with pronounced improvements in the apical and antero-septal segments. Additionally the heart’s twist motion driven by apical rotation saw a notable increase from 18.32° to 23.12° (p = 0.01) supported by an enhancement in apical rotation from 11.76° to 16.10° (p = 0.004).

These findings collectively suggest that HBOT can significantly improve left ventricular function particularly in the apical regions leading to better overall cardiac performance. Such improvements in echocardiographic parameters underline HBOT’s potential to be an effective treatment for patients with heart conditions such as heart failure and systolic dysfunction. As these results are promising further research would be beneficial to fully validate the therapeutic efficacy of HBOT in cardiac care.

Conclusion

In conclusion this study provides compelling evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can enhance various aspects of heart function in asymptomatic patients. Over the course of 60 HBOT sessions patients exhibited significant improvements in key cardiac parameters such as increased ejection fraction decreased left ventricular end systolic volume and enhanced myocardial performance index global longitudinal strain and cardiac twist. These findings indicate that HBOT can effectively strengthen left ventricular function particularly in the apical regions thereby improving overall cardiac performance.

Given that many participants had pre-existing conditions like hypertension and coronary artery disease the observed improvements suggest HBOT’s potential as a valuable therapeutic strategy for heart function enhancement. The results underscore the possibility of broadening HBOT applications to treat heart failure and systolic dysfunction. Future research should aim to validate these findings and explore the long-term benefits and mechanisms of HBOT in cardiovascular health. If confirmed HBOT could emerge as a significant non-invasive treatment option offering new hope for patients seeking to improve heart function and overall quality of life.