Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Arterial Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects approximately 65 million people in the United States alone. Hypertension is the sustained elevation of systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure readings. A normal blood pressure should fall in the range of 120 systolic over 80 diastolic. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy exposes patients to a pure oxygen environment inside a sealed chamber. Used for certain kinds of wounds, infections, delayed radiation injuries and severe carbon monoxide poisoning, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has also shown promise in alleviating hypertension.

Treatment of Hypertension with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

• If your oxygen levels are lower than average, pulmonary blood vessels in your body can constrict, which often worsens hypertension. Ideally you should maintain an oxygen saturation level of at least 90% whenever possible. If you are unable to maintain the 90% minimum, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be recommended. The concentration of pure oxygen provides your body with a higher oxygen saturation level, which keeps your pulmonary blood vessels open and oxygen circulating freely throughout your body. In addition to providing your organs with vital oxygen and nutrients, the administering of hyperbaric oxygen therapy keeps your blood vessels open, which improves your hypertension.

What to Expect

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is administered in a sealed chamber, where the patient is exposed to a pure oxygen environment that has been pressurized one and a half to three times the typical atmospheric pressure.

  During the procedure, you will lie on on a padded table, and the pressure inside the chamber is gradually increased with pure oxygen. You will be instructed to breathe normally. While the pressure is being increased, your ears may pop, and you may experience mild discomfort in your ears or sinuses. The sensation is temporary, and generally goes away if your doctor slightly decreases the pressure. Once the session is over, you may feel lightheaded and tired, and you may have a headache. Ask a family member or friend to drive you to and from your hyperbaric oxygen therapy appointments, so that you may relax after the sessions.

Precautions

• Long-lasting myopia (short-sightedness), middle ear rupture, sinus damage and even long damage are all serious complications that can occur as a result of receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy. More serious complications can include oxygen toxicity, which causes fluid build-up in the lungs, seizures and possibly respiratory failure. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, and seek medical treatment right away.