Many people like to visit a sauna to relax tense muscles and regulate blood circulation. This pleasant and relaxing remedy promotes detoxification of the body and accelerates metabolism, reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases and even overall mortality.
Studies have shown the positive effect of the sauna on the health of the cardiovascular system. Exposure to high temperatures in the sauna, usually recommended to be kept between 80-100°C, is associated with improved blood circulation, lower blood pressure and improved heart function.
It should be noted that long-term regular sauna exposure is not completely associated with the risk of sudden death from heart disease, fatal coronary artery disease, or death from other causes.
In order to determine the positive or negative effects of saunas, a group of scientists collected data from 2,315 men aged 42-60 who participated in a large Finnish study of risk factors for coronary heart disease.
At the start of the study, all participants filled out a questionnaire that, among other things, included questions about the frequency of visits to the sauna, the length of time they stayed there, and the average temperature available.
During the study (almost 21 years), 190 cases of sudden cardiac death, 281 cases of coronary artery death, and 407 deaths from cardiovascular disease were registered. The total number of deaths from all causes was 929.
The authors of the study found that people who visited a sauna 2-3 times a week had a 22% lower risk of sudden cardiac death and a 27% lower risk of fatal coronary artery disease. There was a 24% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality compared to men who used saunas once a week.
Men who visited the sauna 4-7 times a week felt a more pronounced positive effect. the risk of sudden cardiac death was reduced by 63%, the risk of death from coronary artery disease was reduced by 48%, the risk of death from cardiovascular disease was reduced by 50%, and the risk of all-cause mortality was reduced by 40% compared to men who used saunas once a week to visit
In addition, the scientists found that the duration of the procedure also affected the results; Men who spent 11-19 minutes in the sauna had a 7% lower risk of sudden cardiac death compared to men who spent less than 11 minutes in the sauna. And men who spend more than 19 minutes in the sauna have a 52% lower risk of sudden cardiac death.
The results were the same even after controlling for cardiovascular disease risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and other factors that could affect the results.
This study proves that visiting a sauna is a protective factor in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death, coronary artery disease, fatal cardiovascular disease and other causes of death.
These optimistic results require, however, revalidation in larger studies, as well as detailed examination of the effects in different populations.
Now, experts plan to conduct a similar study among women, as well as people who have never used a sauna before.
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