When heart failure symptoms persist despite appropriate medical treatment, what additional approaches might be worth investigating? Researchers continue to evaluate therapies that could complement established treatment. In October 2026, Dr. Sama Akber from Oxymed Hospital presented findings from the HEAT-HF study at the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) Annual Scientific Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. Akber’s involvement with HFSA followed a meaningful progression:
On October 11, 2026, Dr. Akber presented the HEAT-HF study during his oral Rapid Fire session. The study investigates whether two non-invasive therapies could serve as adjunctive approaches for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Patients with advanced heart failure have established treatment pathways, including optimised medication, cardiac rehabilitation, device-based therapy and specialist referral. For carefully selected patients, heart transplantation and left ventricular assist devices remain important options. Access can be limited by donor availability, specialist-centre requirements, cost and patient eligibility. This underscores the need to investigate additional approaches that may complement conventional heart failure management.
HEAT-HF stands for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Enhanced External Counterpulsation as Adjuvant Therapy in Heart Failure. It is a prospective interventional study sponsored by Oxymed Hospital, with Dr. Sama Akber as Principal Investigator. The study is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2024/11/076912).
Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) uses pressure cuffs around the lower limbs that inflate and deflate in synchronisation with the cardiac cycle.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing oxygen in a pressurised chamber. Increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve in the plasma. In simple terms, EECP supports circulation through timed external compression, while HBOT increases oxygen availability. Both are being evaluated as investigational interventions in this study.
The study included adults with ischemic cardiomyopathy, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 50% or less, heart failure symptoms despite guideline-directed medical therapy, and limited options for further revascularisation in many cases.
The registered treatment protocol included 40 EECP sessions and 20 HBOT sessions alongside standard medical therapy. Outcomes assessed included:
Dr. Akber’s presentation shared findings relating to these cardiac, functional and clinical parameters. The research adds to evidence examining whether EECP and hyperbaric oxygen therapy may have a role as adjunctive approaches in ischemic cardiomyopathy management.
These therapies are not suitable for every cardiac patient, and further research is needed to establish their role. Adjunctive care is intended to complement—not replace—proven therapies, including medical management, revascularisation and cardiac rehabilitation programmes.
Dr. Akber’s presentation at HFSA 2026 represents Oxymed Hospital’s commitment to non-invasive cardiac research. Through clinical research, cardiac rehabilitation and functional assessment, the hospital is contributing to the scientific evaluation of additional approaches that may expand treatment pathways for appropriately selected patients.
For people living with heart failure, treatment decisions should be guided by individual clinical assessment and discussion with a qualified cardiologist. To request a consultation, contact the cardiac care team at Oxymed Hospital.
The HEAT-HF study represents Oxymed Hospital’s contribution to evaluating non-invasive approaches in heart failure care. As evidence develops, research will help clarify whether these therapies can complement established treatment for appropriately selected patients.
Patients should discuss treatment options with a qualified cardiologist and continue prescribed care unless their treating clinician advises otherwise.
Could non-invasive adjunctive therapies such as EECP and HBOT have a role in your heart failure management? Discuss your options with your cardiologist.
Author: Oxymed Hospital Editorial Team
Medical Review: Dr. Sama Akber, Cardiologist
Published: October 2026
Research Source: Clinical Trials Registry of India — CTRI/2024/11/076912