Complications in patients in the IHHT, RIP and IHHT-control group
| Complications | IHHT group (n=40), abs. (%) | RIP group (n=40), abs. (%) | Control group (n=40), abs. (%) | P values |
| Perioperative myocardial infarction | 0 | 0 | 1 (2.5%) | NS |
| Death | 0 | 0 | 1 (2.5%) | NS |
| Ventricular fibrillation | 0 | 0 | 2 (5%) | NS |
| Hypotension (need for inotropic therapy) | 7 (17.5%) | 8 (20%) | 9 (22.5%) | NS |
| Atrial fibrillation | 8 (20%) | 13 (32.5%) | 12 (30%) | NS |
| Encephalopathy | 2 (5%) | 2 (5%) | 3 (7.5%) | NS |
| Pericarditis | 2 (5%) | 4 (10%) | 1 (2.5%) | NS |
| Hydrothorax (centesis) | 3 (7.5%) | 2 (5%) | 3 (7.5%) | NS |
| ECG disorders | ||||
| ST depression | 2 (5%) | 3 (7.5%) | 2 (5%) | NS |
| AV block 2nd degree | 1 (2.5%) | 0 | 2 (5%) | NS |
| Bundle branch block | 1 (2.5%) | 6 (15%) | 5 (12.5%) | NS |
| Overall | 22 | 38 | 39 | NS |
IHHT, intermittent hypoxic–hyperoxic training; NS, no significant difference between all three groups; RIP, remote ischaemic preconditioning.