[Efficacy and safety of hydrogen sulfide balneotherapy in ischemic heart disease the arid zone].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate efficacy of hydrogen sulfide (HS) balneotherapy in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in conditions of heat discomfort.


METHODS
The study included 72 CHD patients aged 35 to 60 years with stable angina pectoris of the second functional class taking balneotherapy in summer under arid climatic conditions. Before and after balneotherapy the patients were examined with estimation of clinical symptoms, stress bicycle exercise (SBE) parameters, number of nitroglycerine tablets.


RESULTS
The balneotherapy resulted in a significant prolongation of SBE (p < 0.0018), in longer time to depression of the ST segment by 1 mm (p < 0.01), to an anginal attack in the course of SBE (p < 0.0036), shorter duration of pain after SBE (p < 0.001), less number of anginal attacks (p < 0.0002) and reduced need in short-acting nitrates (p < 0.0002).


CONCLUSIONS
In a hot climate of the arid zone use of moderate HS baths raises tolerance of CHD patients to exercise, attenuates clinical manifestations of CHD and, consequently, reduces daily need in nitrates.
Zunnunov
Z R
ZR
D000328:Adult; D001494:Baths / Q000009:adverse effects; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D003889:Desert Climate; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005996:Nitroglycerin; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide