Hello, Eight weeks of regular sauna bathing and exercise was found to be superior to regular exercise alone for the improvement of three major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the general population. Specifically, the addition of regular sauna bathing to regular exercise led to further increases in cardiorespiratory fitness, and substantial decreases in systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol levels over regular exercise.
A recent study from the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, has now shown that sauna together with exercise is a viable preemptive combination for improving cardiovascular health and lowering the risk of CVD.
The study was performed using a randomized controlled trial (RCT), which is regarded as the “gold standard” for scientific experimental evidence. In addition, this is the first ever RCT conducted in sauna bathing research and lays an important foundation for future studies.
The results of this study lend support for the regular use of sauna bathing with regular exercise, and shows promise as a therapeutic adjunct, particularly for those with lower exercise capacities.” Earric Lee, Doctoral Researcher in the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences
The exercise protocol used for the study adhered to well-established international and national guidelines: 50 minutes of exercise, three times a week. Each session consisted of 20 minutes of resistance exercise, followed by 30 minutes of aerobic exercise. The participants in the exercise and sauna group went for 15 minutes of typical Finnish sauna bathing after the exercise session.
CVD is the major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Annually, it costs the public healthcare system in Finland tremendous amounts of money. “Any approach that has the potential to alleviate the burden, and work alongside other preventative strategies such as exercise is really worth further consideration,” Lee points out.
The findings of the present research forms part of the PhD dissertation, and is the final experiment.
Do saunas reduce risk of heart disease?
Sauna bathing is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and improves risk prediction in men and women: a prospective cohort study – PMC. The .
What exercise can reduce heart disease?
Examples: Brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis and jumping rope. Heart-pumping aerobic exercise is the kind that doctors have in mind when they recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity.
What are the benefits of a sauna?
Facilities offering sauna bathing often claim health benefits that include detoxification, increased metabolism, weight loss, increased blood circulation, pain reduction, antiaging, skin rejuvenation, improved cardiovascular function, improved immune function, improved sleep, stress management, and relaxation.
Is sauna good for your health?
In addition to being a relaxing way to end a workout, saunas do have some health benefits. Spending time in the sauna might have a positive effect on heart health. Some research has shown that the high temperature exposure helps blood vessels expand, which helps improve circulation and lowers blood pressure.
How long is a sauna good for your heart?
Frequent sauna bathing improves cardiovascular function, reduces inflammation, and may improve lipid profile. For optimal results, choose a temperature between 175-195F (80-90C) with 10-20% humidity for 30-minutes at least three times a week.
Do saunas help you live longer?
Over the course of the study, 49% of men who went to a sauna once a week died, compared with 38% of those who went two to three times a week and just 31% of those who went four to seven times a week. Frequent visits to a sauna were also associated with lower death rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke.
What is the best exercise for heart?
- Walking. Yes, it might seem a little too easy. …
- Weight training. live well centers. …
- Swimming. Swimming isn’t just for lazy summer afternoons. …
- Yoga. Although it might not seem like it, yoga is great for your heart health. …
- Interval training. …
- Cycling.
What are 3 heart benefits of exercise?
7 ways your heart benefits from exercise
- Lower blood pressure. …
- Improve blood flow. …
- Improve workout efficiency. …
- Lower cholesterol. …
- Decrease risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. …
- Promote other heart-healthy habits. …
- Reduce the incidence of heart arrhythmia, like atrial fibrillation (AFib).
How do you know if you have a strong heart?
Having normal blood pressure is a sign of a healthy heart. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure is a systolic pressure of 130 or higher, or diastolic pressure of 90 or higher, that stays high over time.
How do I check myself for heart disease?
Official answer. You can check for heart disease at home by measuring your pulse rate and your blood pressure if you have a blood pressure monitor. You can also monitor yourself for symptoms of heart disease, such as: Chest pain, pressure, discomfort, or tightness.
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