Risk of the whole-body cryotherapy in patients with well-controlled hypertension

Abstract

Background: The whole-body cryotherapy is becoming tobe more popular and appreciated by physicians and physiotherapistphysical treatment in patients with orthopedicand neurological diseases. In the literature there are diverseinformation concerning impact of cryogenic temperatureson arterial blood pressure in healthy subjects and patientswith arterial hypertension.The aim of the study was the evaluation of risk of thewhole-body cryotherapy in patients with well-controlledhypertension.

Matherial and methods: 54 subjects [26 with hypertension(group B), 28 healthy subjects (group K)] undergoingwhole-body cryotherapy, were included to the study. Bloodpressure was measured three times: at rest, after simulationof movement in cryochamber and after cryotherapy.Questionnaries concerning subjective feelings werefullfilled.

Results: Blood pressure values were as follows — in firstmeasurement patients from group B 146.6 ± 16.3 mmHg/85.5 ± 14.2 mm Hg, from group K 123.2 ± 14.1 mmHg/75.4 ± 9.5 mm Hg; in second measurement (after simulationof movement in cryochamber): 151.3 ± 19.5/86 ±16.5 mm Hg in group B and 126.2 ± 11.7 mm Hg/74 ± 7.9mm Hg in group K; in third measurement (immediatelyafter cryotherapy) — 151.4 ± 18 mm Hg/85.6 ± 14.5 mmHg in group B and 122.6 ± 13.25 mm Hg/76.1 ± 9.1 mmHg in group K. Percentage of patients expecting risk ofcryotherapy in both groups was similar (15.4% in patientswith hypertension and 14.2% in healthy subjects).

Conclusions: No significant increase in blood pressure measuredafter simulation of movement in cryochamber andafter cryotherapy was observed in patients with well-controlledblood pressure.Patients with arterial hypertension did not feel the significantrisk of the whole-body cryotherapy. The emotionalindex had positive values what indicates low sensation ofrisk concerning therapy.