Effects of phototherapy on blood pressure and hemodynamic status in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To evaluate the chronic effect of phototherapy on blood pressure and hemodynamic status in women with rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: In this descriptive and retrospective study, hemodynamic variables of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with phototherapy within a range between 425 and 650 nm, 11.33 J/cm 2 , 30 cm above the chest were registered for six months.Results: Thirty-on patients (mean age 45.4 (16.2) years) were included.There was a significant reduction in heart rate (p=0.02912),cardiac output (p=0.0384),thoracic fluid content (p =0.00165) and thoracic fluid content index (p=0 .00049)from the basal point to the six-month period of follow-up.Conclusions: Phototherapy could potentially affect the hemodynamic variables in a positive and beneficial effect in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.