using hot tub with heart failure

[ChiChi123]

we were thinking of putting our hottub up then l realised that l heart somewhere that it’s not safe for someone with heart failure to use a hottub. Can anyone give me some advice on this. My partner has heart failure and a lbbb would not want to risk anything.

[Tos92]

I believe if his heart condition or heart failure is stable and mild, it should be safe.

Any real concerns are better checked with your GP.

I hope you get to put that hot tub up.

All the best.

Tos

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Perhaps give the BHF helpline a call and speak to one of the cardiac nurses who will be able to advise you more fully.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[ChiChi123 in reply to Milkfairy]

just by coincidence his heart failure nurse called this morning and she said as long as it’s not too hot and his bp was fine it’s ok. Not to stay in it too long.

[Lezzers]

HiMy husband has HF & a hot tub is an absolute no no for him. But it is an individual thing, so you really need to ask your medical team as they know your medical background.

[Territorial]

I got a jacuzzi it has not worked for 2 years but i did get told to ask my cardiologist about getting in it with heart failure by a cardiac nurse..I see a cardiologist in August i will ask about it then..

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I would say only if you get the OK from your GP or cardiologist, and then never alone. Also kept the temperature relatively low as with high temperatures and heart meds hypotension can occur!

[ChiChi123]

thanks for advice. 😁

[CyclingTime]

I wear a Garmin smart watch all the time and have noticed my normal resting heart rate of 48 goes up to 110 in a hot bath. So just keep an eye on that because if you start with a much higher resting heart rate than me I could imagine it rising quite high

[Blearyeyed]

The general guidance I received for using a hot tub. Jacuzzi , steam room , sauna or hot bath came via my physiotherapist whom was in charge of my hydrotherapy for another condition.According to his research if you have stable heart condition , or mild heart failure which is controlled , or controlled high blood pressure you should be ok to try it under supervision, as long as you follow some simple rules. Interestingly , after trialling out a bath or hot tub and finding that your blood pressure and symptoms are stable medical research in has shown about a 26%-28% improvement in cardiovascular events and blood pressure if the therapy is used once a day.

Don't be tempted to use it if the temperature outside the pool is too cold as the swings in body temperature are very likely to cause symptoms and chest pain.

Drink plenty of water during the day before using it and a glass before getting in. It is better to have a session midway between doses of medication.

Double check your blood pressure before getting into hot water or steam, if it high or too low or you have any light headedness do not use it.

Because the hot water increases your heart rate it can cause your blood pressure to drop too quickly especially if you are on blood pressure medication.

People with a heart related health problem should only use the tub for 10-15 mins , and use cooler temperatures than the general population.

When you first start using it it is better to get used to it with a maximum of 5-7 minutes.

If you have any symptoms once you get in you should drink some water and do some deep breathing before trying to get out.

Don't be tempted to drink alcohol or eat while in the tub this can lower blood pressure too far and cause dizziness.

Before you get out after a normal session you should also have a glass of water have warm robe or towels to put on immediately and then go and have a warm , not hot or very cold shower to cool down more slowly as going from the hot water to cold temperatures can trigger symptoms.

After your shower you should have another glass of water as dehydration will cause symptoms.

The physiotherapist also noted the people whom should not use hydrotherapy or steam therapy because it will trigger symptoms in most people.

You should not use them with

Angina

Unmanaged heart conditions

Uncontrolled Tachycardia syndromes or undermanaged Afib.

High blood pressure which is not well controlled or for the a few hours after blood pressure medications has been taken as the heat can send your blood pressure too low.

Low blood pressure ( Hypotension).

Severe heart conditions or if you are awaiting surgery.

Two weeks after an infection or illness that you may still be recovering from.

Basically , it needs extra care .

You can actually tell the difference between a good , safe spa or liesure centre and one to be avoided by the rules they have for hot tubs and steam. Safe centres have these rules and will give you a questionnaire about your heart and blood pressure history before booking you in for these treatments , or will advise you not to use them if the a general access. If the gym doesn't check or give you guidelines head for the door , as if they don't know the rules they are also less likely to help you properly in a medical emergency.

When you have physio led Hydrotherapy the sessions in the pool are usually only 15-20 mins in water for the same reason. The rules are basically the same for cryotherapy and unheated outdoor swimming.

So , if your OH is in the right heart group and you are happy to supervise him , and, he won't be tempted to stay in longer than he should , it may be worth it and could be good ongoing therapy.

He could always test out his ability to use it by trying a warm bath a few times first and seeing how he feels. Hope that helps, Bee

[Efka in reply to Blearyeyed]

Brilliant and details response, thank you. After research and getting to the same conclusions we use an infrared sauna as part of keeping my partners heart (and body) healthy (HF and high BP).

[Blearyeyed in reply to Efka]

I would love one of those , I also have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Fibromyalgia so the effect on the pain of steam or sauna heat is so beneficial to me . Enjoy, Bee

[Efka in reply to Blearyeyed]

Bless you Bee, and similarly, I too have fibro (with slight EDS as in not a real problem). Managed to find a tiny 2 seater IR sauna secondhand during lockdown so it was my treat to myself, as you I find the heat very beneficial much more so than a massage (although I like anything dealing with fascia too). And I hope you don’t mind me asking, you seem very well read - if you know of any good (uncensored) groups for fibro et al on here or elsewhere I’d love for you to share? Or any particular sources you find good? Thank you so much, Eva

[ChiChi123 in reply to Blearyeyed]

thank you so much for this response. It’s so detailed and really helpful. I will be doing everything that has been advised and you never know it just might help him even in a small way. I’m going to screenshot this so that l always have it to hand. Thanks again 👍

[Blearyeyed in reply to ChiChi123]

No problem. I know there are also suggestions somewhere about what the recommended temperature is as well but I couldn't remember that off hand. I'm sure you should be able to find it if you Google, heart disease with hot tubs and use the advice from a medical or physio site. I'd also follow the suggestions of others and possibly get a check up with the nurse or GP first , just to make sure there is no sound of congestion or BP issue. Hope it goes well for you both, Bee

[ChiChi123 in reply to Blearyeyed]

thanks so much Bee we will deffo be taking all your advice xx

[Alison_L]

Hi ChiChi. Last night I enjoyed a long soak, splash and drink (non-alcoholic) with friends in a hot tub. 32c, so not hot. Lovely xx

Always worth checking with a doctor first though.

[ChiChi123 in reply to Alison_L]

sounds just like heaven. ❤️

[Curryandchips]

I have a Pacemaker and ICD and believe a hot tub would not be a good idea for me other than that I would check with Doc, I'm sure it would be OK.

[Alison_L in reply to Curryandchips]

I have an ICD. I've been told it's fine as long as it's not "hot" (ie the 32c it was at last night was fine). I was at least 2 feet away from the power/pump unit while in the tub.

[Curryandchips in reply to Alison_L]

Thats interesting. i was told that the vibrations of the pump could cause the ICD to fire in error. Maybe new motors are better shielded. I use my sit on lawn mower and it rattles like a bugger!

[Alison_L in reply to Curryandchips]

If I'm cycling fast downhill, there's rather a rattle! My ICD has had a Product Recall, so I'm at the Pacing Clinic tonight. I'll see what they say...

[Lezzers in reply to Alison_L]

Hi Alison, Is your ICD a Medtronic?

[Alison_L in reply to Lezzers]

It is indeed. Had a call from the Clinic last Tuesday saying "Nothing to worry about, but the manufacturer has said we need to reset your device, can you come in Thursday evening?" "No", I reply. "OK, how about next Tuesday evening?" "Yep, see you there"...

[Lezzers in reply to Alison_L]

We were made aware that there was a possible problem with the ICD not giving a strong enough shock back in October last year. As he had a schedule check up Papworth did a software update then & said a further update was needed but it could be done remotely via the home monitor. Then just a couple of weeks ago he got a letter saying the ICD shock might not be strong enough & he needed to attend the clinic and get the update. Coincidentally, again he had a post ablation check up scheduled for a couple of days later & they did the update then. You won't even know they're doing it though. And seeing as Kevin's ICD had already shocked him twice on 1st April (which was seriously no joke!) we knew his was working enough to protect him!

[Alison_L in reply to Lezzers]

Yep, a possibly low firing shock was the reason for my recall. All reset now

[Lezzers in reply to Alison_L]

Ah, good to know. When we were first made aware of the problem back on October we were told it was the newer models fitted since 2021 that possibly had an issue.

[Curryandchips in reply to Alison_L]

I'dbe interested to know.

[Alison_L in reply to Curryandchips]

I asked the EP about hot tubs and ICDs, so she looked up the Medtronic advice - "If the hot tub is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, then a Medtronic ICD will not malfunction". PLEASE NOTE, this only applies to the Medtronic ICD, and not the heart of the user! Individuals should seek advice from a doctor as to whether a hot tub is appropriate for them. And I will continue to enjoy my friend's tub

[Curryandchips in reply to Alison_L]

Goof for you! Sounds like a winner.

[KIMMY60]

Can you adjust the temperature of the water so not so hot like a warm bath instead should be much safer then

[ChiChi123 in reply to KIMMY60]

yeah that’s what l will do. Thanks