Hyperbaric Chambers & Cardiovascular Disease

Hyperbaric Oxygen has been studied in Cardiology.

Background: 

The cardiovascular system initially responds to Hyperbaric Oxygen with vasoconstriction, reduced heart rate and cardiac output (baroreflex-mediated mechanism).

However, the raised pO2 more than compensates for the reduction of the blood flow.

Vasoconstriction is viewed as a regulatory mechanism to protect the healthy organs from exposure to excessive oxygen.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment improves the elasticity of the red blood cells and reduces platelet aggregation

Hyperoxia causes an increase in nitric oxide (NO) synthesis.

The Naturopathic Doctors at our Edmonton based clinic consider the use of Hyperbaric Chambers in certain cardiovascular issues such as ulcers and angina - which are challenging to treat otherwise with other natural medicines.

Arterial Ulcers

22 patients with leg ulcers from chronic arterial insufficiency were treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen at 2.0–2.5 ATA (for up to 70 sessions).

12 of 22 had healing of the arterial ulcers (Kidokoro et al. 1969).

16 patients with treatment resistant arteriosclerotic ulcers were treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at 2.0 ATA.

12 of 16 had complete healing of their ulcers (Hart and Strauss 1979).

50 geriatric patients with arteriosclerotic ulcers treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen at 1.5 - 3.0 ATA.

52% showed complete healing and amputation was avoided in 65% (Perrins and Barr 1986). 

General nutritional sufficiency is key for healing of ulcers which our Naturopaths can achieve with IV Therapy.

In addition to Hyperbaric Chambers, our Edmonton clinic usually uses Vitamin C, Zinc and Selenium as key additions to our IV treatments for ulcers.

Venous Ulcers:

17 patients with varicose ulcers of the legs were treated with Hyperbaric Chamber therapy at 2.5 ATA once daily.

Five patients healed completely, six showed marked improvement, and another four had slight improvement (Slack et al. 1966).

19 resistant cases of venous stasis ulcers were treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at 2.0 ATA.

Complete relief was obtained in 17 of 19 (Bass 1970).

For venous insufficiency, Horse Chestnut is a favorite of our Naturopathic Doctors.

Our Naturopaths also often add flavonoids (which are easily found locally in Edmonton) to enhance tissue integrity, including the tissues of the veins and capillaries in addition to Hyperbaric Oxygen.

Angina

Efuni et al. (1984) found a reduction in the severity of angina pectoris after Hyperbaric Oxygen by looking at 138 coronary patients.

Goliakov et al. (1986) Hyperbaric Chambers were shown to produce a favorable effect in 84 % of 40 patients with angina pectoris.

Smetnev et al. (1979) treated 77 patients with chronic heart disease with 12-15 treatments of Hyperbaric Oxygen in combination with pharmacologic interventions, alleviated or arrested the angina and improved the symptoms of cardiac decompensation.

In case reports and uncontrolled trials, Magnesium injections result in complete symptom relief or marked improvement in the majority of patients with angina.

Our Naturopathic Doctors have seen impressive results treating angina with IV Magnesium at our office in Edmonton which can be done adjunctively with Hyperbaric Chamber treatments.

Peripheral Vascular Disease 

Sakakibara (1986) used Hyperbaric Chambers in 159 patients with chronic peripheral vascular disease.

69% of the 159 patients had healing of their sores. 

Furthermore, the incidence of amputation required was decreased in all the patients. 

Visona et al. (1989) treated patients in various stages of peripheral vascular disease.

Clinical symptoms improved in 70% with long-term improvement in more than 50 % of the cases. 

At our Edmonton clinic, our Naturopathic Doctors usually defer to adding IV Phospholipids in Peripheral Vascular Disease in addition to Hyperbaric Chamber therapy as human data exists for Plaquex improving walking distance in patients with PVD.

 Hyperbaric Oxygen and Cardiovascular Disease

Naturopathic Cardiology:

Ischemia (insufficient blood flow to a particular tissue or organ to meet the needs of that tissue or organ) is usually caused by atherosclerosis and the following discusses some Naturopathic efforts in preventing atherosclerosis. 

Diet:

Monounsaturated fatty acids (i.e. - olive oil) are more resistant to oxidation than are polyunsaturated fatty acids and incorporation of these fatty acids into LDL, renders it more resistant to oxidation.

We often encourage liberal use of olive oil in an uncooked state. 

Consumption of allergenic foods can lead to the production of immune complexes, which can trigger an inflammatory response and possibly promote the development of atherosclerosis.

Our Naturopathic Doctors run a ton of food allergy testing in Edmonton and cardiovascular health is one of many improvements to be had.

In a 10 year prospective study, adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality.

Our Naturopathic Doctors often suggest a Mediterranean-esque diet, that is, with less inclusion of wheat and legumes and more emphasis on vegetables. 

Nutrients: 

Magnesium plays a major role in myocardial energy production, inhibits platelet aggregation, promotes vasodilation and prevents vasospasm, and has antiarrhythmic activity.

Oral and Intravenous Magnesium are key interventions our Naturopaths use for Cardiovascular disease prevention.

IV Magnesium in particular is effective in raising heart magnesium much more effectively than oral supplementation. 

Potassium also has an antihypertensive effect and decreases platelet reactivity and higher potassium intake was associated with a lower incidence of stroke.

Our Naturopaths prefer in most cases to increase potassium intake through dietary modification (for example, by eating more fruits and vegetables) rather than by supplementation. 

Cardiovascular risk factors:

Homocysteine may contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of chronic disorders, including atherosclerosis, thromboembolism and stroke.

Numerous clinical trials have found that lowering homocysteine levels is useful for preventing these.

We can easily administer Methyl-B12, Methyl-Folate and B2 and B6 intravenously for homocysteine reduction. 

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein that is synthesized during the process of inflammation and most studies demonstrate a reduction in CRP with omega 3 supplementation.

In summary, Naturopathic medicine has a range of therapies for cardiovascular disease - at our Edmonton office we merge testing, diet, supplements, Hyperbaric Chambers & IV Therapy for a powerful comprehensive approach.

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