Are Saunas Considered Safe for High Blood Pressure?

Key Takeaways

·        Infrared sauna health benefits are clinically shown to lower blood pressure and reduce risk for heart disease and strokes with regular use.

·        Studies confirm that frequent sauna sessions (at least 4 times per week) can cut hypertension risk in half compared to infrequent use.

·        Sauna use improves cardiovascular function, arterial flexibility, and supports relaxation (great for overall home wellness).

·        Individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease generally tolerate infrared saunas well, but should consult their healthcare provider first.

·        Pairing a home sauna routine with medical guidance, hydration, and gradual cool-down brings the safest and most effective results.

When you have a medical condition like high blood pressure, it’s essential to monitor the activities you take part in. You want to be sure what the things you are doing are safe for your body. For example, as someone with hypertension, you may wonder whether it’s safe for you to use a sauna. If you’re worried that a sauna might increase your blood pressure, you may be in for a surprise.

High blood pressure can be dangerous. It’s a common condition where the force of blood in arteries can create additional health issues. So, when it’s discovered that someone has higher than average levels, medical professionals will intervene in hopes of reducing it. Lowering your blood pressure may be a key to living a longer and fuller life.

A blood pressure reading is important to health and should be done at least once every other year starting at 18. Those who are 40 and older, or younger with a high risk of elevated blood pressure, should have a reading done at least once a year.

Now we come to the good news. Saunas are capable of helping reduce high blood pressure. One study shows that men who used a sauna at least four times a week cut their risk of high blood pressure in half compared to those who only used a sauna once a week and that’s only the beginning.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension or high blood pressure happens when your blood moves through your veins with more force than average.

Reach out today and find out more from our sauna experts.

What are the Causes of High Blood Pressure?

Many things can cause high blood pressure, including medication, food, age, lifestyle, and genetics. Some of the most common causes include:

·        A diet high in cholesterol, fat, or salt

·        Use of tobacco or excessive use of alcohol

·        Chronic medical conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and kidney issues

·        Stress

·        A family history of high blood pressure

·        Race

·        Lack of physical activity

·        Being obese or overweight

·        Growing older

What are the Early Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

Many people who have hypertension do not realize it. This is why it’s essential to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Those who experience high blood pressure symptoms may have nosebleeds, headaches, or shortness of breath. Unfortunately, these can often be signs of other medical issues. Most hypertension symptoms don’t appear until blood pressure is high for some time.

How do Saunas Help with High Blood Pressure?

Infrared sauna health benefits are significant for people with hypertension. The home sauna installation uses light to create heat, directly warming the body and encouraging deep sweating.

Citing Mayo Clinic insights, infrared saunas may cause beneficial changes in lipid profiles and a lowering of systemic blood pressure.

Sweating brings:

·        Improved cardiovascular function

·        Better blood vessel dilation

·        Reduced arterial stiffness

·        Improved blood circulation

Lower Hypertension Risk Through Infrared Saunas

The American Journal of Hypertension did a study on sauna bathing and incidents of hypertension in 2017. A group of over 1,600 men between 42 and 60 without high blood pressure were used as the baseline. In a follow-up of about 25 years, 251 incidents were recorded.

Those who used a home sauna wellness machine four to seven times a week had a much lower likelihood of experiencing hypertension. The study concludes by saying that regular use of a sauna results in a reduced chance of hypertension which may be based on sauna use offering decreased cardiovascular risks.

For more information on overall infrared sauna health benefits , please read our more comprehensive guide on the top benefits of an Infrared Sauna.

Is It Safe for Someone with Heart Disease?

Yes. A 2002 Journal of American College of Cardiology study found that chronic heart failure patients saw improved cardiac function and decreased blood pressure after using a dry sauna.

Do Saunas Also Lower the Risk of Getting a Stroke?

Another study was done on over 1,600 men and women of 53 to 74 years old without a known history of stroke. Again, groups were split up and used the sauna once, two to three, or four to seven times each week. A long-term follow-up indicated that those who used the sauna at least four times a week had a much lower incidence of stroke compared to those who used it once a week

How Long Should I Use a Sauna?

Experts recommend a sauna session of about 15 to 20 minutes to help with hypertension. Always hydrate, listen to your body, and cool down gradually.

Read more: Discover How Sauna Use Affects Skin Tone Over Time: Benefits & Cautions

Final Thoughts on Saunas and Their High Blood Pressure Benefits

Whether you have hypertension or want to avoid it, make sauna use part of your routine (preferably a luxury home sauna so you are more motivated to use it regularly). Benefits extend to relaxation, pain relief, and less inflammation.

At Sun Home Saunas, we offer a variety of saunas to choose from. Browse our infrared saunas to find one that fits your lifestyle. If you spend a lot of time traveling, our infrared sauna blanket is an excellent alternative to keep you healthy and well.

Also check out this handy guide if you need help making a choice: Best Infrared Saunas for Home

FAQ

Can people with high blood pressure safely use an infrared sauna?
Yes, regular use can help lower blood pressure and is supported by clinical studies.

How many times per week is sauna use best?
Aim for four or more sessions weekly for heart health and hypertension risk reduction.

Should I combine sauna with medication and lifestyle changes?
Always follow your doctor’s advice. Sauna is a great complement, not a replacement.

What is the ideal session time for blood pressure benefits?
Generally, 15–20 minutes with proper hydration and cool down is recommended.