Can a Sauna Reduce Heart Attack Risk?

For some of us, there's nothing better than winding down in a sauna after a long day. Whether you want to spend some me-time after putting kids to bed or relieve muscle tension that's been knotted up from endless meetings, the immersive heat of a sauna works magic. 

However, there might be more to these intensely hot and steamy rooms than just relaxation. Recent research has drawn interesting connections between using saunas and a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. 

In this blog, we'll break down these research findings and spill the secret of how saunas might benefit your heart.

All About Heart Attacks

Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, are a major health concern globally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart gets blocked, often by a blood clot or plaque build-up. 

There are several other reasons for heart attack, including:

• Coronary artery spasm/occlusion

• Embolism

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Takotsubo 

• Anomalous coronary arteries

• Trauma

  
  

The symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person. It is often a painful pressure or squeezing sensation in your chest, which might spread to your arms, neck, jaw, or back. You could also experience shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or break out in a cold sweat. 

Regarding the solution to heart attacks, most doctors recommend taking medicines and making lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and reducing stress. In severe cases, surgical interventions like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention might be required to save your life.

If you want to strengthen your heart and potentially prevent these issues, try sauna therapy. While a sauna isn't a one-stop-shop miracle cure and shouldn't replace standard medical care, it can significantly boost your cardiovascular health. 

Everything You Need to Know About Saunas

Saunas are the epitome of relaxation and rejuvenation. From gracing Finnish houses to gyms and fitness centers worldwide, saunas have become a staple in many households. These days, saunas are available in two different forms: traditional and infrared.

Traditional Sauna

Traditional saunas, also known as Finnish saunas, have existed for centuries. These saunas rely on heat and humidity to provide their unique benefits. 

In a traditional sauna, you'll find a heat source (usually a wood-burning or electric stove) that heats the room to a temperature of around 150 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit while the humidity level hovers between 10–25%.

Traditional saunas work on convection mechanisms. The heat source warms the air around you, raising your core body temperature. As your body temperature increases, you'll start to sweat out all those pesky toxins. This process helps improve circulation, relieve stress, alleviate muscle pain, and enhance sleep quality.

Since most traditional variants come with sauna stones, you can throw some water on them to release soothing steam. This steam not only improves your respiratory function but also opens up your pores and loosens the dirt so you can have soft and supple skin. 

Infrared Sauna 

Infrared saunas work differently than their traditional counterparts. These modern marvels use infrared light to produce heat. Infrared light, which exists on the electromagnetic spectrum, has varying body penetration levels. This includes near, mid, and far infrared rays, depending on the model you choose. 

Infrared saunas usually operate at a lower temperature of 110 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't be fooled by these numbers; these saunas offer cellular-level penetration for intense detoxification, pain relief, skin rejuvenation, and more. This means you'll still get all the benefits of a traditional sauna but with fewer side effects. 

Can Sauna Use Help With Heart Attacks?

Absolutely! Numerous scientific studies suggest regular sauna use can indeed help the heart in several ways.

A noteworthy study conducted in Finland, a nation famously fond of saunas, discovered that men who partook in sauna bathing four to seven times a week cut their risk of heart attacks by as much as 50% compared to those who only bathed once a week. 

Another 2022 study published in the American Physiology Society Journal explained that sauna bathing after performing intense exercise can significantly reduce your blood pressure and heart rate, which is important for those with cardiovascular problems. 

The same study also shows that sauna bathing can improve cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. CRF measures how well your heart, lungs, and organs consume and utilize oxygen. UCLA Health notes that the higher the CRF level, the lower your risk of heart disease would be.

Did you know that cholesterol is a sneaky substance that can build up in your arteries, leading to heart disease? Fortunately, sauna bathing can help you out. Research shows that regular sauna sessions could help increase HDL, the "good cholesterol" that helps remove the LDL, the "bad cholesterol" from your bloodstream while improving your overall lipid profile. 

The impacts of heat don't stop at blood pressure. Mayo Clinic Proceedings have shown that sauna sessions can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both known contributory factors for heart disease. Also, sauna bathing can positively impact the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate, digestion, and other unconscious body processes. 

Besides improving your general well-being, a sauna can benefit a range of conditions, such as arthritis, eczema, back pain, acne vulgaris, liver issues, chronic fatigue, dementia, muscle soreness, and more.

Safety Tips for Using Sauna for Reducing Heart Attack

Saunas can have many physical benefits, but they must be used responsibly

. 

Follow these sauna tips for reducing the risk of heart attack:

• If you're new to saunas, start slow with shorter sessions (10–15 minutes) to give your body time to adapt. Gradually increase the duration, but avoid exceeding 30 minutes. 

• Harvard Health explains that high temperature makes your heart beat faster and pump harder. To avoid risk, monitor your heart rate during sauna sessions and stop if it reaches 100 beats per minute or more.

• Saunas can cause dehydration, which can put stress on your heart. Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after each sauna session. Do not consume alcohol, as it may impair your judgment or make you dizzy.

• Instead of eating fatty foods like burgers and chips that may cause heartburn or indigestion, consume heart-healthy foods like whole grains, walnuts, pistachios, or berries to stay energized during your sauna session. 

• Practice deep breathing or mindful meditation to alleviate stress that may contribute to heart issues. 

• If, at any time during your session, you start feeling dizzy, have chest discomfort, or feel the need to vomit, please exit the sauna and seek help.

Top Sauna Recommendations: Can Sauna Reduce Heart Attack Risk?

Whether you want a traditional sauna for your grandfather to keep him in tip-top condition or a sleek infrared sauna for your cardio-conscious sister who's stepping up her heart health game, different models are available on the market. 

The following are some of the premium saunas for reducing the risk of heart attack:

Almost Heaven Pinnacle Standard Barrel Sauna

If you want to improve your cardiac health with a sauna session while still being connected to the outside world, the Almost Heaven Pinnacle Standard Barrel Sauna should be your top choice. Designed especially for four persons, this sauna is available in authentic lumbers like white fir, rustic cedar, or thermally modified hemlock. 

This traditional sauna has an efficient electric heater that heats this cozy cabin within minutes and distributes it evenly for maximum benefits. Its tempered glass door maintains the internal sauna temperature and lets in a lot of natural light.

The sauna also has built-in adjustable vents to let out the stale air, so you won't have to worry about humidity affecting your sauna's durability. Best of all, this sauna comes with precision-cut wooden pieces and clear instructions for hassle-free assembly.

Golden Designs Geneva Low EMF FAR Infrared Sauna

The Golden Designs Geneva is perfect for those who want a modern wellness unit that blends seamlessly with their interior design. This sauna is made with natural hemlock and boasts a honey-blonde finish that's nothing short of amazing. 

Designed to accommodate two persons, this sauna fits neatly into smaller spaces but offers full sauna benefits. The six strategically placed low EMF carbon heating elements disperse gentle, soothing heat to improve blood circulation and strengthen heart muscles. 

With interior and exterior LED control panels, you can quickly adjust the temperature and humidity levels. Thanks to its MP3 auxiliary connection, you can play relaxing tunes or listen to audiobooks. 

The chromotherapy lighting system balances your body's energies while providing many other benefits. This sauna comes with a clasp-together assembly, so you can have it up and running within an hour.

FAQs: Can Sauna Reduce Heart Attack Risk?

Can a sauna cause a heart attack?

It's the opposite. Regular sauna usage may help lower blood pressure and enhance heart function, making it healthier and stronger. However, if you recently suffered from congestive heart failure or heart attack, you must consult your doctor before hopping into a sauna. 

Does a sauna reduce the chances of stroke?

Yes. Research shows that sauna can help promote good circulation, lower serum cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, stabilize the autonomic nervous system, and alleviate stress — all contributing factors to stroke. 

What are the side effects of saunas?

While saunas can be a delightful part of one's wellness routine, overuse may lead to side effects such as dehydration, lightheadedness, and hyperthermia. It may also lower blood pressure, which could cause fainting if you stand up too quickly. 

Is a sauna bad for breathing?

Studies show that steam saunas can soothe bronchial membranes and inflamed nasal passages, making them beneficial for respiratory issues like sinus infection, allergies, or COPD. 

However, people with asthma or severe breathing issues should talk to their healthcare provider before use.

Final Words: Can Sauna Reduce Heart Attack Risk?

If you're still wondering about the potential benefits of saunas on heart health, it's important to understand the science behind it. Saunas, with their feel-good heat and sweaty environment, mimic physiological responses as moderate exercise, leading to increased heart rate and improved blood circulation. 

These effects could potentially help strengthen the cardiovascular system, making it more resilient against heart diseases.

At My Sauna Word, we have a range of traditional and infrared saunas from top-of-the-line brands. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the benefits of a sauna, contact us today!