The effect of carbon dioxide baths on blood pressure of borderline hypertensive patients

Author Hartmann B1
Author Pohl U
Author Wohltmann D
Author Holtz J
Author Bassenge E.
Publication 1Institut für Angewandte Physiologie und Balneologie der Universität Freiburg.
Original Article

The effect of carbon dioxide baths on blood pressure of borderline hypertensive patients

Abstract

In 423 patients with borderline hypertension (at rest and/or during exercise) the potential blood pressure reducing effect of CO2-baths was studied. Using standardized blood pressure measurements at rest and during exercise, it was investigated to what extent a fourweek course of CO2-baths could induce a reduction of blood pressure in these patients. They were randomly assigned to a course of baths with either high or low CO2-concentration. A significant fall in blood pressure, both at rest and during exercise was observed in both groups during the course of treatment. Multiple regression analysis identified the loss in body weight during treatment as the main influence factor on reduction in blood pressure. By contrast, no (additional) specific therapeutic effect of CO2-baths on blood pressure reduction could be observed.