The study aimed to evaluate the effects of repeated 60°C sauna treatments on cardiac arrhythmias in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Conducted by a team of researchers, the study involved thirty patients with New York Heart Association functional class II or III CHF, all of whom exhibited a minimum of 200 premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) over a 24-hour period. Participants were randomly assigned to either a sauna-treated group, which engaged in a structured two-week program of daily sauna sessions followed by rest, or a non-treated group that remained in a temperature-controlled environment. Results indicated that the sauna-treated group experienced a significant reduction in PVCs, with an average of 848 PVCs per day compared to 3,097 in the non-treated group. Additionally, heart rate variability improved, and levels of plasma brain natriuretic peptide decreased, suggesting enhanced cardiac function and reduced stress on the heart.
The findings highlight the potential cardiovascular benefits of sauna therapy in managing ventricular arrhythmias in CHF patients. By demonstrating a notable decrease in PVCs and improved cardiac metrics among those undergoing sauna treatment, the research underscores the therapeutic value of this simple intervention. Conducted in 2004 and published in the Circulation Journal, the study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting sauna use as a complementary therapy for cardiovascular health, particularly in individuals with chronic heart conditions.
