Background Repeated exposure to intermittent normobaric hypoxia improves exercise tolerance in cardiac patients. Little is known on the effects of intermittent normobaric hypoxia‐hyperoxia exposure in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (New York Heart Association II–III). Hypothesis IHHT improves exercise tolerance, cardiometabolic profile, and quality of life in CAD patients. Methods The study design was a nonrandomized, controlled, before‐and‐after trial. Forty‐six CAD patients volunteered to take part in the study: a group of 27 patients undertook the intermittent hypoxia (O2 at 10%)–hyperoxia (O2 at 30%) training (IHHT), whereas a control group (CTRL) of 19 patients, who already completed an 8‐week standard cardiac rehabilitation program, was allocated to sham‐IHHT treatment (breathing room air, O2 at 21%). Exercise performance, blood and metabolic profiles, and quality of life (Seattle Angina Questionnaire [SAQ]) were measured before and after in the IHHT group (IHHG) and sham‐IHHT in the CTRL group. Results The IHHG showed improved exercise capacity, reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures, enhanced left ventricle ejection fraction, and reduced glycemia, but only at 1‐month follow‐up. Angina as a reason to stop exercising was significantly reduced after treatment and at 1‐month follow‐up. The IHHT SAQ profile was improved in the IHHG and not significantly different to the CTRL group after standard rehabilitation. The IHHG was also compared to the CTRL group at 1‐month follow‐up, and no differences were found. Conclusions In CAD patients, an IHHT program is associated with improved exercise tolerance, healthier risks factors profile, and a better quality of life. Our study also suggests that IHHT is as effective as an 8‐week standard rehabilitation program.

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The EG patients showed a significant reduction in the index of chronic fatigue, which was accompanied by the significant decrease in state depression, anxiety, improvements in subjective assessment of quality of life, as well as a significant increase in physical performance indices (maximal oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold, load time to failure, normalization of the lipid 'profile' immediately after course of infusions and in 5 weeks follow-up). No changes in chronic fatigue index and other recorded indicators were identified in CG. Laennec did not cause side effects, was well tolerated by all patients.

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