It is widely known that saunas, especially infrared saunas, have many positive effects on our health. Pain relief, increased energy, more beautiful skin, a healthy gut, and many other benefits are offered by an infrared sauna. But what role does it play in relation to our heart? Let's take a closer look at this aspect in this article!
But first, the disclaimer: This article does not constitute medical advice and is by no means a substitute for consulting a doctor. In case of doubt, always consult your doctor to clarify what is necessary for your case.
How does our heart actually work?
Before we delve deeper into the topic, here's a brief overview of the anatomy of the heart. The heart is the engine of our circulatory system and pumps blood through the body to supply all organs.
Deoxygenated blood flows through the body's veins into the superior and inferior vena cava and finally to the heart, specifically into the right atrium. It then flows through the right ventricle into the pulmonary circulation. There, gas exchange takes place, so that oxygenated blood continues to flow into the left side of the heart.
Through the left atrium and left ventricle, the blood enters the aorta, our main artery. From there, the blood ultimately reaches the entire body. Quite a big job our heart does for us every day. But our heart fulfills far more tasks than that of a pumping organ. It can also produce hormones. This includes BNP - brain natriuretic peptide. More on that later.
What happens when our heart can no longer adequately perform its function and becomes insufficient, i.e., impaired in its function?
What does heart failure mean?
Heart failure describes a syndrome "in which the heart is unable to provide the cardiac output required by the organism." There are many causes for this. One of the most common reasons is a narrowing of the coronary arteries.
These are the vessels that branch off first from the aorta and supply the heart itself with oxygen-rich blood. In the event of a narrowing, the heart does not receive enough oxygen and is therefore limited in its performance. The main reasons for narrowing of the vessels are lifestyle factors. These include smoking, alcohol, and an unhealthy diet, for example, with many trans fats. Not the good cholesterol, for example from eggs, is the reason.
What is the current state of research?
Numerous studies have been conducted on the topic of sauna and heart health. A meta-analysis of various studies has shown that repeated use of heat application reduces the release of BNP. BNP is a polypeptide, which can be used, among other things, as a marker in the diagnosis of heart failure. When the heart chambers are excessively stretched, it is produced and released by the heart itself and causes vasodilation to increase blood flow. A high BNP value correlates with the degree of stress on the heart, more precisely on the left ventricle.
This molecule, produced by the body itself, dilates the vessels and thus promotes better blood circulation. Studies proving the replacement of conventional heart failure therapy with infrared sauna do not yet exist. What is certain is that the use of an infrared sauna can improve heart health.
Do people without heart disease also have a health benefit?
Absolutely! In the article on the connection between eyesight and red light, we already learned a lot about the importance of mitochondria. Without these powerhouses, there would be no energy, which we need for infinitely many metabolic processes. Simply put, without mitochondria, we are not viable. Especially red light in the form of near-infrared light increases energy production in these cell compartments. Organs that require a lot of energy have a particularly large number of mitochondria - including the heart. Better energy supply means greater performance. Athletes, in particular, can benefit greatly from this!
Infrared sauna as prevention?
Whether the use of an infrared sauna will become a fixed component of heart failure therapy in the future cannot be predicted - although it would be desirable. Here, however, it is advisable to mention that an infrared sauna is neither a therapy nor a therapeutic measure.
However, having vitality and performance into old age are goals that we all pursue.
Disclaimer of liability: No diagnoses or treatments are suggested. The health tips are based on the knowledge and private experiences of the author. The author assumes no liability for possible health damages resulting from the use of the suggested wellness application.
Sources:
(1) https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Herzinsuffizienz
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30239008/
(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15914953/
(4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/
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