What Researchers Did
Researchers studied heart rate variability in 23 patients undergoing repeated hyperbaric oxygen treatments to assess the influence of these exposures and age on vagal response.
What They Found
They found that repeated hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) exposures did not permanently alter vagal control of the heart. Vagal activity, measured by HF power, significantly increased during HBO2 exposures in all 23 patients, with subjects under 50 years old showing significantly higher baseline HF power levels than older patients.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing repeated hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be reassured that these treatments are unlikely to cause permanent changes in their heart's vagal control. Even older patients receiving this therapy are expected to maintain their vagal responsiveness.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study was an open, controlled, non-randomized design, which may limit the generalizability of its findings.