Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on blood pressure and heart rate and its clinical significance

Abstract

Objective To observe effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on blood pressure and heart rate, so as to provide an experimental basis for safe and efficient hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Methods Blood pressure and heart rate were measured in 48 patients prior to HBO treatment, before completion of compression, during maintenance of pressure for 25 min, before completion of decompression, 1 and 2 hours before termination of HBO treatment, and statistical analyses were also made in the study. Results Systolic pressure measured before termination of decompression was significantly higher than that of pre HBO treatment (P < 0.05), while diastolic pressure measured during maintenance of pressure and decompression was significantly higher than that of pre HBO treatment(P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure during maintenance of pressure and decompression was significantly higher than that of pre HBO treatment (P < 0.05). Heart rate measured before termination of compression and 1 hour after HBO treatment was obviously lower than that of pre HBO treatment (P < 0.01). Conclusions Hyperbaric oxygen therapy could elevate blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and decrease heart rate of patients. This effect was particularly significant during the decompression stage, to which enough attention should be paid. Key words: Hyperbaric oxygen; Blood pressure; Heart rate; Mean arterial pressure