Swimming steam an sauna

[Robster12]

Had a ha in October an 1 stent fitted. Rehab nurse says

Not advisable to use steam room sauna an swimming

Cardiac doctor says it’s ok an doesn’t see a problem

I am on the usable tablets. Any one have advice

Cheers

[COYW]

Good question. All the notices I’ve read outside saunas say if you have a heart issue don’t use it. I think that is too risk averse so I have used saunas but only on my own or with friends when I can control the heat.

[Calliope153]

Google "travel and your heart - British heart foundation" and read page 2.

[Lezzers]

Saunas can affect the blood pressure which is why its not recommended for heart patients. Not sure why swimming would a no no though, maybe its because of your own particular heart condition? Or too soon after a cardiac event? Probably best to ask the rehab nurse

[Robster12 in reply to Lezzers]

Thanks

[Robster12 in reply to Lezzers]

Thanks

[Shoshov]

by coincidence we were talking about this at rehab. yesterday. apparently according to british heart foundation(i’m sure that’s who she mentioned)now advises you can use them but not any more than 10 minutes. obviously you have to be sensible and not make it too hot and drink plenty etc. don’t know about swimming though. perhaps that’s a guideline for you personally due to your particular health issues❤️

[Nathan53]

Hi Robster12 Rehab Nurses told me same thing yet Cardiologist said he had no problem with swimming (didn't discuss sauna as I am not really interested). I think Rehab Nurses are more cautious in these matters. Swimming is good but there can be a tendency to hold your breath too much as in swimming underwater (depends on how skilled you are at swimming). So swim but remember to breath as holding your breath makes the heart beat faster in an attempt to maintain good oxygen level. Also on getting into the water get used to the temperature, move around exercising before launching into a full on swim and wind down at the end of a swim as you did after rehab exercise.

[Robster12 in reply to Nathan53]

Thanks

[NorthantsSteve in reply to Nathan53]

Good one Nathan. Also to add that swimming isn’t recommended for people who have just had an event (not Robster as his was in October) because of its prone nature (ie best to exercise standing up and with arms below shoulder height initially) and because the effect of water on the body can hide a heart attack.

I’m wondering if the advice is not to go from a cold swimming pool into a hot sauna? Just a thought.

[Nathan53 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

I think you are right Steve about the sudden change in temp but I also found the attached article on the BHF site which mirrors what Rehab Nurse told me couple of years back (times gone quick) about breathing and also the effect water pressure has on circulation system and heart. Before having my heart attack I used to swim 3 or 4 times a week maybe 30 lengths of a 25 metre pool we each session but now I find the 3 gym sessions I have been doing for last 20 months far easier than swimming. I seem to get more breathless swimming while I don't have a problem on treadmill and cross trainer. I now only do maybe 4 lengths swimming occasionally after gym session.

[Nathan53 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Robster12 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Thanks steve

[stevejb1810]

I had a triple bypass and I got the same advice your cardiologist gave you. My advice is go gently, don't spend hours in there and stay very well hydrated. I don't go in to the sauna often - once or twice a year and, touch wood, I've had no issues. I'm on the usual aspirin, bisoprolol, ramipril, atorvastatin regime.

[Zena166]

Hi Robert when I attended rehab they advised us not to swim for at least 6 months. To do with pressure of water on chest and increase in BP I think. And to get back to a land level of fitness. So I didn’t swim then and haven’t since!! But I am a renowned scaredy-cat! And I was never a strong swimmer anyway. Cheers. Zena

[Robster12 in reply to Zena166]

Thanks