Sauna is not only a relaxing activity for the body and mind, but it also has a number of health benefits that can positively affect your heart. Several studies have shown that regular sauna bathing can contribute to better cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart problems. In this blog, we go through why sauna is good for your heart and how you can benefit from its health benefits.

How Does Sauna Affect the Heart?

When you are in a sauna, your body is exposed to high temperatures, which causes blood vessels to dilate and blood flow to increase. This creates an effect similar to that of physical exercise, but without the exertion. Sauna bathing makes the heart beat faster, which helps increase circulation and oxygenation of the body's tissues. Here are some ways in which sauna bathing is good for the heart:

1. Improves Blood Circulation
   When you are in the sauna, your blood vessels dilate and your heart works harder to pump blood through your body. This improves blood circulation and allows oxygen and nutrients to reach all tissues, which is good for both the heart and muscles.

2. Reduces the Risk of High Blood Pressure
   Regular sauna sessions can help lower blood pressure by improving blood flow and reducing the workload of the heart. The heat in the sauna helps relax blood vessels and allows blood to flow more efficiently.

3. Strengthens the Heart Muscle
   When you're in a sauna, your heart has to pump more blood to keep your body cool. This exertion can help strengthen your heart muscle over time, leading to better heart function and endurance.

4. Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation
   One of the biggest benefits of saunas is their ability to reduce stress. High levels of stress can negatively affect the heart, but relaxing in a sauna helps lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This reduces the risk of heart disease and improves overall heart health.

5. Improves Blood Fats
   Regular sauna bathing has been shown to reduce levels of bad LDL cholesterol and increase levels of good HDL cholesterol. This helps to improve blood lipids and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which in turn protects the heart.

6. Supports Recovery after Physical Exertion
   Saunas can help restore the heart after physical exercise. When you exercise hard, your heart rate increases, and sauna bathing can help normalize your heart rate and relieve stress on the heart. Saunas act as a form of "passive exercise" that gives the heart a chance to recover.

Sauna and Cardiovascular Health – Part of Your Health Routine

It is important to remember that sauna bathing is not a substitute for physical exercise or medical treatments, but it can be an excellent complement to promote cardiovascular health. For people with pre-existing heart problems, it is important to consult a doctor before starting regular sauna bathing.

If you want to include sauna in your health routine to support your heart, you can start by going to the sauna 2-3 times a week. It is recommended that you stay in the sauna for 10-15 minutes at a time and do not exceed the time that feels comfortable.

Book Sauna for the Heart in Stockholm

Want to experience the heart-healthy benefits of sauna? Book your sauna experience at The Sacred Sauna in Stockholm, where we offer a unique and relaxing environment to support both your body and your heart. Our saunas are designed to give you a therapeutic and healthy experience.