THE IMPACT OF SAUNA USE ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK – A LITERATURE REVIEW

Anna Wawrzeczko; Maciej Jakubiec; Angelika Jankowska; Magdalena  Gostół; Martyna  Susek; Amadeusz Furmanek; Natalia  Górska; Katarzyna Wójtowicz; Gabriela Deska; Emilia Gąsiorowska

doi:10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.5001

Authors

Anna Wawrzeczko Beskidzkie Centrum Onkologii – Municipal Hospital of John Paul II in Bielsko-Biala, Bielsko-Biala, Silesia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0329-150X
Maciej Jakubiec Beskidzkie Centrum Onkologii – Municipal Hospital of John Paul II in Bielsko-Biala, Bielsko-Biala, Silesia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3408-3354
Angelika Jankowska Independent Public Voivodeship Integrated Hospital in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3002-7028
Magdalena Gostół District Health Center in Otwock, Otwock, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3987-3818
Martyna Susek Beskidzkie Centrum Onkologii – Municipal Hospital of John Paul II in Bielsko-Biała, Bielsko-Biała, Silesia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7383-8121
Amadeusz Furmanek Provincial Hospital in Bielsko-Biała, Bielsko-Biała, Silesia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6839-2207
Natalia Górska American Heart of Poland, Ustroń, Silesia, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7511-222X
Katarzyna Wójtowicz Dolnośląskie Centrum Onkologii, Pulmonologii i Hematologii, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3349-8610
Gabriela Deska Dolnośląskie Centrum Onkologii, Pulmonologii i Hematologii, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3076-7814
Emilia Gąsiorowska Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0371-995X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.5001

Keywords:

Sauna Bathing, Cardiovascular Risk, Finnish Sauna, Dry Sauna, Cardiovascular Health, Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Cardiovascular diseases remain leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. One of non-pharmacological method that can support primary and secondary prevention is the use of saunas, especially Finnish dry saunas. The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge on the impact of sauna use on cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods: A literature review based on data from the Pubmed database published between 2000 and 2025.

Conclusions: Sauna use has a beneficial effect on most modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. In the long term, it improves endothelial function and reduces arterial stiffness, lowers blood pressure, optimizes lipid profile and sleep quality, reduces stress level and excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system. However, it has no effects on body weight and its individual components in the long run. In terms of its effect on glycemia, it increases insulin sensitivity, but in insulin-treated diabetics it can cause hypoglycemia. Future studies should be well designed with specific frequency and parameters of sauna use, and include more women, older people, diabetics as well as other patients to determine the impact on cardiovascular risk.

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