Cardiovascular Problems

Cardiovascular problems

Many medical conditions affect the network of arteries and veins that carry blood to and from the body’s tissues, including the heart.  Compromised blood supply leads to a deficiency in the microcirculation.  This causes tissue ischemia (lack of circulation) and tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen).  As a result, there is occurrence of edema (swelling) which further compresses capillaries and aggravates ischemia.  When nerves are affected, the swelling is aggravated by loss of or change in sensation (neuropathy).  

Clinical manifestations depend on the affected organ. In the heart, chest pain and abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia) are usual. These are manifestations of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) which includes myocardial infarction and unstable angina.  On the arms and legs, warning signs include pain, swelling, skin discoloration, itching, dry flaky skin, decreased hair, and frequent cold feet or hands.  Little cuts or wounds do not heal normally, eventually becoming chronic wounds frequently complicated with infections.  Over time, gangrene ensues and if left untreated will result in amputation of the limb. 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may improve oxygen supply to the poorly perfused tissue of the heart and reduce the volume of heart muscle that perishes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy effectively corrects tissue ischemia and hypoxia by promoting formation and proliferation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).  The microcirculation is rebuilt to supply much needed oxygen to the tissues.  Pain is relieved, swelling is reduced and inflammation is suppressed.  Hyperbaric oxygenation strengthens the heart and makes it more resilient to hypoxia, decreasing the likelihood of major complications from a heart attack.  When wounds develop, oxygen stops further tissue damage and speeds up wound healing.  It also enhances the body’s immune response to an infection and increases the effect of antibiotics.  For wounds requiring surgery, hyperbaric oxygenation creates a healthy wound bed and increases the chance of skin graft or skin flap survival.  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides optimal oxygen environment for protection and repair of the entire cardiovascular system from the heart to the tiny capillaries.