This study, led by Takashi Kihara and colleagues, explored how repeated sauna therapy at 60°C could improve heart function in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), focusing on the underlying mechanisms of this effect. The researchers treated 20 CHF patients with daily sauna sessions for two weeks, each lasting 15 minutes in the sauna followed by 30 minutes of bed rest. They used high-resolution ultrasound to measure changes in blood vessel function, specifically looking at how the brachial artery responded to increased blood flow (flow-mediated dilation, or %FMD). The results showed that sauna therapy improved vascular function, as evidenced by a significant increase in %FMD, indicating restored endothelial function. This improvement in blood vessel health was linked to a reduction in plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a marker of heart strain, suggesting enhanced cardiac function.
The study concluded that regular sauna therapy improves endothelial function, which in turn helps improve heart function and reduce clinical symptoms in CHF patients. The findings suggest that saunas may offer a therapeutic method to improve cardiovascular health by promoting detoxification through improved circulation and reduced heart strain. This detoxifying effect is believed to stem from enhanced blood flow and the body’s ability to better manage waste products and stress hormones. The research was conducted by a team of experts in cardiovascular medicine, and it highlights the potential role of hyperthermic treatments like saunas in supporting heart health and detoxification processes.
