Navigating Your Way Through the Cardiovascular Matrix
Far infrared saunas are increasingly recognized not just for relaxation, but for their substantial benefits to cardiovascular health. With the ability to deliver deep, penetrating heat, far infrared saunas stimulate various bodily processes that are essential for maintaining a healthy heart and vascular system. Let’s explore the science behind far infrared saunas and how they can positively impact your cardiovascular health.
Some Key Statistics To Start
The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 18 million people die each year from cardiovascular diseases, accounting for approximately one-third of all deaths globally. Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable through lifestyle practices, including the use of saunas.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick, M.D. highlights findings from large-scale prospective studies in eastern Finland, which demonstrate significant heart health benefits associated with regular sauna use. These studies reveal that men who use the sauna 2-3 times per week are 22% less likely to experience sudden cardiac death compared to those who use it only once weekly. For frequent users (4-7 times per week), the risk reduction rises to an impressive 63%. Additionally, frequent sauna users show a 37% lower likelihood of dying prematurely from any cause, regardless of age, activity level, or other lifestyle factors. Dr. Patrick delves further into the role of sauna use in cardiovascular health in her podcast discussion with study author Dr. Jari Laukkanen.
The Mayo Clinic's Research + Findings
A study entitled "Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence," published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, was authored by Dr. Jari A. Laukkanen, Dr. Tanjaniina Laukkanen, and Dr. Setor K. Kunutsor.
The study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings highlights that frequent sauna bathing is associated with a lower risk of fatal cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. It emphasizes that regular sauna use promotes cardiovascular health by improving endothelial function (the cells lining blood vessels), reducing arterial stiffness, and aiding blood pressure regulation. Additionally, sauna use has anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing effects, which are key factors in protecting heart health. The research suggests that these physiological changes induced by sauna bathing may explain the link between regular sauna use and a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as sudden cardiac death, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
Heart Health Reinvented: How Far Infrared Saunas Elevate Cardiovascular Wellness
Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, far infrared saunas use far infrared frequency to heat the body directly. This unique approach raises core body temperature, mimicking the effects of moderate exercise and triggering beneficial cardiovascular responses. To note, our Relax saunas can increase body core temperature 3.2° in just 25 minutes. Far infrared saunas increase microcirculation, elevate heart rate, and promote relaxation, all of which are essential in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
A study published in the Journal of Cardiology highlights that regular far infrared sauna use may help improve vascular function, reduce blood pressure, and alleviate symptoms of congestive heart failure. The authors note that the increase in blood flow and heart rate from Far infrared sessions can mimic cardiovascular exercise, making it a potentially valuable therapy for those who are unable to engage in physical activity due to health limitations.
Far Infrared Saunas’ Impact on Heart Health
1. Enhanced Circulation: Far infrared saunas stimulate vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. This increases blood flow and helps transport oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout the body. Better circulation supports heart function and helps lower blood pressure, reducing strain on the cardiovascular system. Improved blood flow is particularly beneficial for individuals with heart disease or those at risk of developing cardiovascular issues.
2. Lowered Blood Pressure: Research from the Journal of Cardiology reveals that far infrared therapy has been linked to reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The heat from far infrared saunas encourages blood vessels to expand, which helps lower blood pressure. For those managing hypertension, regular Far infrared sauna sessions may serve as a supportive therapy for maintaining healthier blood pressure levels.
3. Mimics the Benefits of Exercise: Far infrared saunas can elevate the heart rate in a manner similar to moderate physical exercise. By increasing heart rate, far infrared saunas can help improve cardiovascular fitness, even for those who are unable to exercise regularly. This makes far infrared therapy a valuable tool for individuals with mobility limitations or chronic health conditions that make physical activity challenging.
4. Reduced Inflammation + Oxidative Stress: Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are major contributors to cardiovascular disease. Far infrared saunas have been shown to lower inflammatory markers in the body, which can help reduce the risk of arterial damage and plaque buildup. Using far Infrared frequency in your health routine promotes the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax blood vessels and reduce inflammation, thereby supporting vascular health.
5. Improved Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Heart rate variability, a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat, is an important indicator of cardiovascular health. Higher HRV is associated with a more resilient heart, and far infrared therapy has been shown to improve HRV, supporting the autonomic nervous system and enhancing heart health.
Real-World Endorsements + Evidence in Favor of Far Infrared
The Cleveland Clinic acknowledges the cardiovascular benefits of infrared saunas, highlighting that far infrared therapy can help improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation. According to the Cleveland Clinic, far infrared therapy may also be beneficial for individuals with chronic heart conditions, as it provides the heart-healthy benefits of light to moderate exercise without physical strain.
Research published in PubMed further supports these benefits, showing that regular Far infrared sauna use can reduce the risk of heart attack, sudden cardiac death, and overall mortality. By promoting relaxation and improving vascular function, far infrared saunas offer a safe, non-invasive approach to supporting long-term cardiovascular health.
Far infrared saunas provide a unique and effective way to support cardiovascular health. Through improved circulation, blood pressure regulation, inflammation reduction, and exercise-mimicking effects, far infrared saunas offer a multitude of heart health benefits.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your fitness routine or need a low-impact alternative to exercise, far infrared saunas present a promising, accessible option for promoting cardiovascular wellness. Explore the Relax line up.
Sources
- Kihara, T., Biro, S., Imamura, M., et al. (2009). "Repeated Sauna Therapy Improves Myocardial Perfusion in Patients With Chronically Occluded Coronary Arteries." Journal of Cardiology*. Retrieved from [PubMed]
- Cleveland Clinic. "Infrared Sauna Benefits: 9 Reasons Why They’re Worth Trying." Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials*. Retrieved from [Cleveland Clinic]
- Patrick, R. "Sauna Use for the Prevention of Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality." FoundMyFitness, found at foundmyfitness.com.
