Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a disease state where the limbs are not able to receive adequate blood circulation. It is caused by a process of hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque formation called, atherosclerosis. The initial symptoms include pain and soreness in the legs with exercise, but can lead to constant pain or even gangrene and subsequent amputation in limbs. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an Undersea and Medical Society (UHMS) approved condition for gangrene. Atherosclerosis is a process that occurs all over the body, so if there is narrowing of arteries in the limbs, there may also be narrowing of arteries in the heart, brain, genetalia or other vital organs.
Currently, other than recommended lifestyle interventions, only surgical interventions are used in the treatment of PAD. HBOT is a promising intervention for PAD for a few reasons:
Currently, other than recommended lifestyle interventions, only surgical interventions are used in the treatment of PAD. HBOT is a promising intervention for PAD for a few reasons:
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The state of research on reversing atherosclerosis with HBOT is in the early stages. Two studies by the same researchers have documented the reversal of atherosclerosis in rats and in rabbits. Turkish researchers have documented improvements in atherosclerosis markers in diabetic foot wound patients. Anecdotal hyperbaric clinical reports typically show an improvement in exercise tolerance and a reduction in claudication pain. Skin tissue tone and discoloration typically improves. Reports of improvement in sexual dysfunction are also common.
Scientific Resources
Scientific Resources