Thoughts on Sauna and steam rooms

[Barrie62]

Is it safe to use sauna and steam rooms 8 month post CABG

[Sina-6491]

I don't know about forever never ever. But we were told at rehab not to use them.

I hope one of the nurses on here get back to you 2moz regarding an accurate awnser.

If not, maybe ask your cardiac team or your surgery before using one. All the best Jo 😊

[clarehealsworldwide in reply to Sina-6491]

My cardiac nurses in rehab said I should not go in a sauna nor a steam room as I have angina & am on BP & anti-anginal meds. (Same reason as Michael mentions in his reply.) I also have to keep out of too-hot jacuzzi & too-cold water & even not travel to hot or cold climates....so will have to miss out on the Northern Lights & the tropics too!

[Sina-6491 in reply to clarehealsworldwide]

Sorry to hear my beliefs are comforted 😕

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Only your GP/cardiologist can answer that one as much will depend on the medication you are on. Typically with BP meds and anti-anginals warmer temperatures can cause a further drop in blood pressure resulting in dizziness, fainting or worse! Ask them the question.

[Barrie62]

Just to add I had 3 x CABG I am on 150mg of aspirin 40mg arvostatin 1.25mg Bisoprolol

[skid112 Heart Star]

I am assuming no angina or any other symptoms post CABG? Same as with Michael's answer, you should be wary of extreme temps and humidity, how about giving the BHF nurses a call. Personally i think yes, but watch your self and don't stay long

[tunybgur]

I had a heart attack and stent five years ago when I was 64.

I now go to the gym twice a week for a couple of hours at a time and have a good workout. My heart rate doesn't go above 130 as the meds etc. basically stop it going any faster, but afterwards I have a steam and sauna as it's incredibly relaxing.

I know my BP drops during this process but I quietly sit down afterwards in the health suite and allow my body to adjust slowly rather than hit the shower straight away, otherwise I can sometimes feel a little woozy.

My resting BP is 110/60, I have measured it after a hot bath and it can be as low as 80/50 so I now only have warm baths.....for me it's moderation in everything and there's never been any problems.

In your position I would take medical advice, but maybe try short steam sessions to see how you feel and how your body responds.

The medical profession wants to keep you alive and will err on the side of caution with their advice, but my philosophy is, life is for living, not just existing.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

I know the signs in the sauna and steam room say you shouldn't use them if you have any heart condition or issues with BP. I have gone in them briefly on occasion (post diagnosis) and they made me feel very light-headed, so I give them a wide berth now. I am fine in a jacuzzi though. I think it's case of following medical advice and going slowly and carefully if you choose to risk ignoring it?

[clarehealsworldwide in reply to laura_dropstitch]

I was also told not to use sauna or steam room or hot / cold shower, as these could lower blood pressure too much & also give me an angina attack. I loved the steam room, but it did give me fungal infections too! Clare

[Barrie62]

Guys thanks for everyone's input, I phoned the cardio rehab team, this is what was said:

Generally there are notices on the sauna, steam room and Jacuzzis saying if anyone has high blood pressure or a heart condition to check with their GP.

The main reason is these are very hot environments, this in turn causes the heart to beat quicker to keep you cool,

which in turn lowers your blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy or even faint. Obviously these are worst case scenario’s.

In my favour, my heart has a much better oxygen supply since my CABG, my heart pump (left ventricle) is normal and strong.

If I was to go make sure you’re I am well hydrated having a good couple glasses of water beforehand and don’t stay in too long. Maybe just a couple of minutes initially and build up, but don’t stay in longer than 10 mins.

[Longboarder in reply to Barrie62]

Hi

Does anyone know if an infrared sauna is safe to use?

Thanks

Ross

[axus in reply to Longboarder]

Hi. I bought an infra red sauna several months ago. for £350. I have used it every night for 30 minutes at 105% temperature and enjoyed every minute. ( I am 78 )

I have had angina for over twenty years and it deteriorated about 4 months ago until I now struggle walking up the drive. The deterioration started before I bought the sauna and I don't believe my condition has been affected at all by the sauna, good or bad.

I stopped using it a couple of weeks ago because I started seeing a Cardio consultant, not his advice I might add..

I have three blocked arteries and having stents fitted to two of them next Monday. Not yet decided whether to keep the sauna or not.

Keith