Sauna bathing, blood pressure, and cardiovascular function

Researchers reviewed studies of sauna bathing and heart and blood vessel health in adults. Short sauna sessions usually raised heart rate and temporarily lowered blood pressure afterward. Long-term studies found that people who used saunas more often had fewer heart problems and lived longer. However, these were mostly observational studies, meaning researchers observed people’s habits rather than assigning them to use a sauna, so they cannot prove saunas caused the benefits.

What this means for you: Sauna bathing may help heart health, but the evidence is not strong enough to buy one for longevity. It should not replace exercise, medical care, or prescribed blood-pressure treatment.