Sauna / Heat Therapy
Sauna or heat therapy involves repeated heat exposure that can improve cardiovascular health, reduce depression symptoms, and aid in athletic recovery.
Evidence last reviewed: 20 Apr 2026
- •pregnant individuals
- •those with severe cardiovascular issues
- •people with heat sensitivity
The evidence suggests that sauna therapy can improve cardiovascular function and reduce blood pressure, particularly in those with risk factors. However, some studies show mixed results, especially regarding heart rate variability, indicating a need for further research.
cardiovascular functiongeneral population with low physical activity and CVD risk factors · RCTModerate
Regular sauna bathing in conjunction with exercise improved cardiovascular function.
heart failure symptomspatients with heart failure · Meta-analysisModerate
Thermal therapy improved NYHA class and left ventricular ejection fraction in heart failure patients.
autonomic nervous system modulationindividuals with cardiovascular risk factors · Longitudinal studyLow
Sauna bathing favorably modulated the autonomic nervous system.
blood pressure and vascular functionhealthy and clinical populations · Systematic reviewModerate
Heat therapy reduced blood pressure and improved vascular function.
heart rate variabilitysedentary individuals with CVD risk factors · RCTModerate
Regular postexercise sauna bathing did not improve heart rate variability.
Forms & usage▾
Use a sauna for 15-30 minutes, 2-3 times a week.