Influences of Hyperbaric Oxygen on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Blood Glucose Levels in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension

Background We investigated the influences of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO 2 ) on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR) and blood glucose level (BGL). Methods Forty one patients with hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), HTN and DM and/or no HTN or DM underwent HBO 2 sessions (15–40 sessions for each patient). SBP, DBP, HR and BGL (for diabetics) were recorded before and after each session. Results HBO 2 caused significant elevation in SBP (11%) and DBP (12%) and a decrease in HR (18%) ( p 2 lowered BGL by 23% ( p 2 caused a marked elevation in SBP and DBP when basal SBP was >140 mmHg. Critical elevation was obtained when SBP was >160 mmHg. The use of beta blockers caused significant elevation of blood pressure while reducing HR. Conclusions HBO 2 causes elevation of blood pressure and lowering of HR and BGL, which were augmented in the presence of HTN, DM, or beta blocker. The use of beta blockers for the management of HTN should be avoided during HBO 2 therapy.