Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on some basic vital functions.

The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) on the respiratory system and cardiovascular system in patients with ischaemia of lower extremities exposed repeatedly to hyperbaric oxygen for therapeutic reasons. Oxygen pressure of 2.4 ATA was used, the duration of exposure to 100% oxygen was 90 min on the average. Hyperbaric oxygen was applied every 2-3 days during 1 to 3 months. During the treatment airway resistance, pulmonary elastance, respiratory rate, respiratory volume, intraoesophageal pressure, closing volume and vital capacity were determined. Changes of heart rate caused by this treatment were recorded as well. A statistically significant increase of airway resistance, increased pulmonary elastance, decreased respiratory volume and respiratory rate, increased closing volume, decreased vital capacity and slowing down of heart rate were observed.