does sauna benefit blood pressure?

Introduction

Sauna bathing, a traditional practice in many cultures, particularly in Finland, has been associated with various health benefits. One area of interest is its impact on blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health. This synthesis examines the evidence from multiple studies to determine whether sauna use benefits blood pressure.

Key Insights

Immediate Effects on Blood Pressure:
- Sauna bathing initially increases systolic and diastolic blood pressure due to heat exposure, but these values decrease significantly below baseline levels after the session .
- Acute sauna use leads to a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure immediately after the session and during the recovery period .
Short-term and Long-term Benefits:
- Regular sauna use is associated with a reduction in the risk of developing hypertension and improved cardiovascular function over time .
- Short-term sauna use (2-4 weeks) shows improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction, reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and enhanced physical activity levels.
Mechanisms of Action:
- Sauna bathing induces vasodilation, which decreases peripheral vascular resistance and leads to lower blood pressure .
- The heat stress from sauna use increases heart rate and cardiac output, but the overall load on the heart is lower compared to physical exercise due to reduced peripheral resistance.
Comparative Studies:
- Studies comparing hypertensive patients treated with different cardiovascular drugs found that sauna use can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, with some variations depending on the medication used.
Safety and Tolerance:
- Sauna bathing is generally well-tolerated by most individuals, including those with stable coronary heart disease, and does not pose significant risks when used appropriately .

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that sauna bathing can have beneficial effects on blood pressure, both immediately after use and with regular long-term use. The primary mechanisms include vasodilation and reduced peripheral resistance, which contribute to lower blood pressure levels. Regular sauna use may also reduce the risk of developing hypertension and improve overall cardiovascular health. However, individual responses can vary, and those with specific health conditions should consult healthcare providers before incorporating sauna sessions into their routine.

Does sauna benefit blood pressure?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

The blood pressure and heart rate during sauna bath correspond to cardiac responses during submaximal dynamic exercise.

Acute sauna use increases blood pressure and heart rate, corresponding to a moderate physical load of 60-100 watts, rather than reducing them.

Acute and short-term efficacy of sauna treatment on cardiovascular function: A meta-analysis.

Sauna treatment positively impacts cardiovascular function and physical activity levels, particularly in patients with low cardiovascular function.

Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence

Sauna bathing may reduce the risk of vascular diseases, nonvascular conditions, and mortality, as well as improve conditions like arthritis, headaches, and flu.

Sauna exposure leads to improved arterial compliance: Findings from a non-randomised experimental study

Sauna bathing reduces pulse wave velocity, blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and left ventricular ejection time, improving arterial compliance and blood flow.

The sauna and the heart

Sauna bathing is safe for individuals with coronary heart disease, as it reduces heart load and oxygen demand, and has been shown to be beneficial for their overall health.

Comparison of blood pressure response to heat stress in sauna in young hypertensive patients treated with atenolol and diltiazem.

Heat stress in sauna baths can cause a decrease in blood pressure in young hypertensive patients, with calcium antagonists potentially adding to the vasodilatory effects of heat stress.

The Effect of Heat Therapy on Blood Pressure and Peripheral Vascular Function: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Heat therapy, such as sauna exposure, can reduce blood pressure and improve peripheral vascular function in healthy and clinical populations.

Benefits and risks of sauna bathing.

Sauna bathing is well-tolerated by most healthy adults and children, may help lower blood pressure and improve heart function, and may provide relief for asthma, chronic bronchitis, and rheumatic diseases.

Acute effects of sauna bathing on cardiovascular function

Sauna bathing for 30 minutes has beneficial effects on arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and some blood-based biomarkers, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk.

Sauna use as an activity leading to a reduction in modifiable risk factors for the development of hypertension - a systematic review

Sauna use can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension, supporting treatment with pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological methods.

Try another search