Is Sauna Good For High Blood Pressure?
Are you struggling with high blood pressure and wondering if sauna sessions could help? Many people are unsure whether heat therapy is safe or effective. Let’s explore the potential benefits and tips for using a sauna with high blood pressure.
What is high blood pressure?
According to the Mayo Clinic, hypertension occurs when the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high, making the heart work harder to pump blood.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have categorized blood pressure into four main levels.
- Normal blood pressure: Lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
- Elevated blood pressure: The top number ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg, and the bottom number is below 80 mm Hg.
- Stage 1 hypertension: The top number ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg, or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 hypertension: The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher, or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher.
If not controlled, high blood pressure can be very dangerous to health as it can lead to complications such as aneurysm, heart attack, kidney problems, eye problems, and dementia.
Fortunately, there’s a cure for high blood pressure, and several medications can help manage it. According to the NHS, common options include ACE inhibitors like ramipril, ARBs such as losartan, calcium channel blockers like amlodipine, diuretics, and beta blockers like atenolol. Always take your medication as directed and consult your doctor before starting any new treatment.
Additionally, plenty of gentle exercises help lower blood pressure, such as wall squats, planks, and aerobic exercises like brisk walking, running, cycling, and swimming.
If concerned about medication side effects or finding exercise challenging due to high blood pressure, sauna sessions may help manage it.
Is Sauna Good For High Blood Pressure?
Sauna bathing may help manage high blood pressure by improving endothelial function, reducing arterial stiffness, and potentially lowering systemic blood pressure. These benefits stem from sauna’s ability to enhance circulatory and cardiovascular functions through heat exposure. It’s important for individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions to use saunas cautiously and consult healthcare providers for personalized guidance on safety and effectiveness.
Tips for using a sauna with high blood pressure
Don’t use sauna alone
For safe sauna use, especially if you have consumed alcohol, it’s crucial to avoid using the sauna alone. Research from Finland highlights that half of sauna-related deaths involved alcohol, increasing the risk of accidents and heat exposure. To prevent such incidents, always have a companion present to ensure safety and to respond promptly if assistance is needed. This simple precaution can significantly reduce the risk of adverse outcomes while enjoying sauna sessions.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure
Before using the sauna, check your blood pressure to ensure it’s within safe limits and to optimize the sauna’s ability to safely lower blood pressure.
Stay Hydrated
Sauna sessions cause significant fluid loss through sweating, affecting your hydration. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the session to stay hydrated.
Limit the duration and lower the temperature
If you have high blood pressure, it’s crucial to first consult with your doctor before using a sauna. Once you have medical approval, enjoy your sauna session with a lower temperature and limit the duration. High temperatures and prolonged exposure can strain your cardiovascular system, potentially raising your blood pressure to dangerous levels.
