AF and Saunas

[Steve101]

I have AF. My gym has recently installed an infared sauna. I’m wondering whether it would be ok to use it. I found this article tat suggests the evidence is positive for the use of saunas.

Any views or experience would be appreciated.

Thanks

Steve

[Steve101]

saunas.org/infrared-sauna-a.... Here’s the article I forgot to insert.

Apologies Steve

[Desanthony]

I don't think I would try it with AF.

[opal11uk]

Hi Steve, having spent 30 years in the leisure industry I would put you as high risk and therefore politely refuse your custom. All participants should complete a medical form before any type of treatment in a leisure environment, this is a duty of care requirement to safeguard both the user and the provider.

[Plastow48]

I have just come back from a two night break at a spa. I only used the lower temperature hot rooms and had no Ill effects. Remember to drink lots of water and keep hydrated. I love spas and plan to go again soon.Jenny

[Joc1007]

Hi Steve - I have AF and have been going to local leisure centre for last year and used the sauna at least twice a week in this period with absolutely no ill effects.

[DianeEM]

I regularly use- twice a week sauna and steam but limit to maximum 5 mins, often less if too hot, drink plenty of water. I didn't realise there are different types of saunas so unsure if I've used an infrared one.

[Vonnegut]

It was after going to a spa and sauna that my paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was finally diagnosed! Don’t think they are a good idea for those with heart conditions!

[Tapanac]

when I was diagnosed with afib/afl/tachycardia I was advised to keep away from saunas and steam rooms

[Omniscient1]

Presumably Far Infrared which is used in therapeutic heat blankets?? Infrared just provides heat so should be ok. But as others have said maybe limit your time in the chamber.I go to spas and a Turkish bath and time in the very hottest areas is limited by my own comfort, typically about 5 mins anyway.

[Sustainedvtach270]

Steve, stay away from sauna! I took saunas for almost 6months with no problem, until the day I took a hot bath while suffering with covid. My heart rate went sky-high, my ICD kicked me multiple times and I ended up on the floor calling the ambulance! Now I swim daily a much better exercise for me...Thierry

[Steve101 in reply to Sustainedvtach270]

Thank you all for your feedback, it is much appreciated.

Listening to the advice, I’ll give saunas a miss I think.

Thank you again.

This forum is so helpful.

Steve 😀👍

[Model52]

We have a Finnish sauna at home -90 degrees C- and I use it every day in wintertime. I then do 3 to 4 sauna’s of 15 minutes each with 5 minutes of cooling down, of which 2 in an ice cold tub. My AF is not influenced by any of this most of the time. Sometimes, when there is an episode before the sauna, it will stop inside, thanks to the relaxation effect. I only had one episode starting in the cold tub. So, in my long experience (been doing this for 30 years, 6 of them with paroxysmal AF) it is quite harmless and relaxing .