The Impact of Sauna Use on the Cardiovascular System in Healthy and Cardiologically Burdened Individuals: A Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: As a popular way to relax, the sauna is used by many people. The safety of sauna use and the possible benefits of sauna attendance are the subject of scientific research. One of the most studied aspects is the impact and safety assessment of sauna use on people with cardiovascular diseases. In addition to the effects of the traditional Finnish sauna, the effectiveness of Waon therapy, which is a type of dry infrared sauna that was invented for the treatment of people with cardiovascular diseases, was analysed. Aim of the study: Analysis of the available scientific research on the effects of traditional Finnish sauna and infrared sauna (so-called Waon) on the cardiovascular system in healthy people and those with cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, hypertension. Methods: Review of the literature available in PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases by searching with keywords such as ‘sauna’, ‘Finnish bath’, ‘waon’, ‘waon therapy’ ‘heart failure’, “chronic heart failure”, ’hypertension’ , ‘cardiovascular system’. Conclusion: Conventional Finnish sauna and Waon therapy are interventions with proven positive effects on the cardiovascular system in many studies. The results show that these interventions help to lower blood pressure, improve vascular function, increase myocardial perfusion, induce a reduction in symptoms associated with heart failure and improve exercise tolerance in this patient group. Patients with heart failure are a large group that could potentially benefit from the use of sauna and especially Waon therapy, although there are studies showing that sauna can also protect healthy individuals from future hypertension.

Keywords

• sauna
• finnish sauna
• waon
• heart failure
• chronic heart failure
• hypertension