A recent study by Glazachev and colleagues shows that intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training (IHHT), a method involving alternating inhalation of oxygen-depleted and oxygen-enriched air, has promising effects in people with cardiovascular disease.

Forty-six patients with coronary heart disease participated in the study. Some of them underwent a series of IHHT sessions, while the other group breathed normal air after standard cardiac rehabilitation. After the training period, the IHHT group showed clear improvement: they had better fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger heart function, and better blood sugar levels. The participants also reported experiencing less chest pain and feeling more energetic and vital.

Remarkably, the results of IHHT were comparable to those of a traditional eight-week cardiac rehabilitation programme. This means that this form of training could be a less strenuous but effective alternative for people who want to improve or maintain their heart health.

IHHT therefore appears to be a promising and natural way to stimulate the body, improve blood flow and support the recovery capacity of the heart and blood vessels.
The method is now also being used in various vitality and recovery programmes, where it helps to promote more energy, better stress resistance and greater stamina.

In short: alternating between breathing oxygen-depleted and oxygen-rich air appears to be a powerful stimulus for the body: gentle, safe and effective. An innovative approach that shows that recovery and health can also be enhanced in a natural, relaxing way.

If you are interested, please refer to the article on Pub Med: Glazachev O, Kopylov P, Susta D, Dudnik E, Zagaynaya E. Adaptations following intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training in coronary artery disease patients: a controlled study. Clin Cardiol. 2017 Jun;40(6):370-376. doi: 10.1002/clc.22670. Epub 21 March 2017. PMID: 28323322; PMCID: PMC6490434.