The clinical efficiency and safety of iodide-bromine balneotherapy in patients with coronary heart disease concurrent with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Aim: to evaluate the efficiency of iodide-bromine balneotherapy (IBB) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) concurrent with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Subjects and methods. Sixty-six patients with CHD, Functional Class II stable angina on exertion concurrent with mild and moderate COPD were examined. Group 1 included 36 patients with CHD concurrent with mild and moderate COPD (a study group); Group 2 consisted of 30 patients (a control group). The groups were matched for age, gender, and concomitant abnormality. The patients from both groups undergone a complex clinical and instrumental study (clinical and biochemical study, echocardiography, 24-hour ECG monitoring, EchoCG, external respiration function (ERF) test. In both groups, CHD and COPD were treated by the generally accepted standards, Group 1 patients were additionally given IBB at a water temperature of 37°C; the concentration of iodine and bromine was 10-15 and 30-40 m/l, respectively; the duration was 10-15 min for 2 consecutive days, followed by a rest day or every second day; the course comprised 10-12 sessions.
Results. After the course of IBB, there were significant reductions in the number of anginal attacks and the dose of nitrates weekly, the number of episodes of supraventricular and ventricular premature contractions, producing no impact on the cardiac conduction system. The duration of silent myocardial ischemia and the degree of ST-segment depression significantly reduced. No significant changes were obtained in the control group. ERF examination confirmed the safety of IBB used in patients with CHD and COPD.
Conclusion. IBB has a beneficial antiischemic activity in patients with CHD concurrent with COPD, without producing a negative impact on ERF.

coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, iodide-bromine balneotherapy