Sauna baths are safe for healthy individuals of all ages, including expectant mothers in uncomplicated pregnancies. They provide a cardiovascular workload similar to brisk walking and pose no circulatory risk. Stable cardiovascular patients can also safely use saunas. Essentially, if one can walk into a sauna, they can walk out. Misuse is discouraged.
An exploration of sauna bathing’s effects on various health aspects, including coronary heart disease, hypertension, chronic heart failure, drug interactions, lung and rheumatic disease implications, skin and hormonal changes, fertility, pregnancy considerations, and its safety for children, while highlighting risks associated with alcohol consumption during sessions.
“Increased frequency of sauna bathing is associated with a reduced risk of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD), Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), and all-cause mortality. Further studies are warranted to establish the potential mechanism that links sauna bathing and cardiovascular health.”
Sauna bath brings about numerous acute changes in hormone levels, partly akin to other stressful situations, partly specific for sauna.
Sauna bathing creates a sense of wellbeing, relaxation, hedonia, or camaraderie, which reduces stress, a potential trigger of sudden cardiac death.
Access to the latest sauna studies and exciting announcements from the SRI.
