title: [The effectiveness and safety of the balneotherapeutic treatment of the mechanical transport drivers suffering heart rhythm disorders].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To estimate the effectiveness and safety of the balneotherapeutic treatment of the of mechanical transport drivers (MTD) suffering heart rhythm and cardiac conduction (HR&CC) disorders with concomitant arterial hypertension (AH) treated based at a Nalchik health resort.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 42 MTD (all men) presenting with HR&CC disorders and I-II grade AH were admitted for the balneotherapeutic treatment at a Nalchik health resort using two main approaches, viz. (a) thermal nitrogen mineral baths 36-37 degrees C in the form of 22 courses consisting of 8-10 sessions each (10-15 min every other day) and (b) bromine-iodine mineral baths 36-37 degrees C in the form of 20 courses consistingof 8-10 sessions each (10-15 min every other day). The outcomes of the treatment were estimated based on the results of general clinical examination and laboratory analyses supplemented by round-the-clock monitoring of arterial pressure and ECG, psychological and psychophysiological testing (PPT).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of clinical and instrumental investigations into dynamics of the general health status, peripheral and coronary hemodynamics in the drivers with HR&CC disorders and AH give evidence of the improvement of their psychosomatic status following the treatment with the use ofthermal nitrogen and bromine-iodine mineral baths in 86.4 and 80.0% of the cases, respectively. In the subjects of the former group, significant changes in the dynamic response system were documented. 75% of MTD included in the latter group were characterized by the absence of improvement of professionally significant functions and skills that were found to deteriorate in the remaining 25%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The balneotherapeutic treatment of MTD presenting with HR&CC disorders and I-II grade AH with the use of thermal nitrogen mineral baths proved to be a highly effective, specific, and safe method in 86.4% of the cases. The use of bromine-iodine mineral baths resulted in clinical and hemodynamic changes of the psychosomatic status in 80.0% of the drivers concomitant with the deterioration of their professional activities. It is concluded that PPT is mandatory for the mechanical transport drivers presenting with HR&CC disorders and I-II grade AH before they resume their professional activities after the balneotherapeutic treatment.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Él'garov
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kalmykova
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Él'garov
authors.forename: L V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Betuganova
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D001336:Automobiles; D001452:Balneology / Q000379:methods*; D006294:Health Resorts; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012449:Safety