potential role of thermal therapy as an adjunct treatment in congestive heart failure

the clinical and economic importance of heart failure is widely recognized.   the incidence of heart failure is on the increase, particularly with the aging of the population around the world.   it is time for a paradigm shift in heart failure management. alternative non-pharmacological strategies to remodel the failing ventricle will shape a major portion of heart failure therapy in the decade ahead. exposure to heat is widely used as a traditional therapy in many cultures.   in this paper, we will review recent data that suggest thermal therapy may be helpful as an adjunctive non-pharmacological treatment for heart failure.