Hot and Cold Therapy for Cardiac Patients: Saunas, Steam Rooms, and Ice Baths
- Jamie Pickett
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
Introduction
Hot and cold therapies — such as saunas, steam rooms, and ice baths — have become increasingly popular for recovery, relaxation, and potential health benefits. For people with a heart condition, these activities can offer some advantages, but also carry risks if not approached carefully. This guide provides evidence-based advice on using these therapies safely, with practical tips and considerations for individuals in cardiac rehabilitation or those managing cardiovascular risk factors.
“Your body hears everything your mind says. Keep it positive.” – Naomi Judd“
Potential Benefits
Heat-based therapies (Sauna, Steam Room)
Improved circulation: Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which can temporarily improve blood flow.
Muscle relaxation: Warm temperatures may help relieve tension and aid recovery after exercise.
Stress reduction: Heat exposure can encourage relaxation and lower perceived stress.
Possible cardiovascular benefits: Some research suggests regular sauna use may reduce blood pressure and improve arterial function in certain populations.
Cold-based therapies (Ice Bath, Cold Water Immersion)
Reduced inflammation: Cold exposure may help decrease post-exercise muscle soreness.
Improved recovery perception: Some people report feeling refreshed and less fatigued after cold immersion.
Potential mental resilience benefits: Controlled exposure to cold may help improve tolerance to discomfort.
Risks and Considerations for Cardiac Patients
Sudden blood pressure changes: Both heat and cold cause rapid changes in blood vessel size, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, or arrhythmias.
Heart rate changes: Heat often increases heart rate, while cold can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure and a reflex increase in heart rate.
Dehydration risk: Heat-based therapies can cause significant fluid loss through sweating.
Temperature shock: Rapidly switching between hot and cold can be stressful on the cardiovascular system.
Underlying conditions: Heart failure, arrhythmias, unstable angina, severe valvular disease, or very recent cardiac events may make these therapies unsafe.
When to Start After a Cardiac Event
Always get medical clearance before beginning hot or cold therapy after a cardiac event.
In many cases, these therapies should be avoided until the patient has completed a phase II or III cardiac rehabilitation programme and has stable symptoms.
Avoid during any period of instability — e.g., new chest pain, uncontrolled blood pressure, recent hospitalisation.
Safety Tips
General
Avoid therapy if you feel unwell, have a fever, or your resting heart rate or blood pressure is significantly abnormal.
Stay hydrated before and after — drink water, not alcohol.
Never use saunas, steam rooms, or ice baths alone; always have someone nearby.
Allow for a gradual warm-up and cool-down period for your cardiovascular system before and after sessions.
Heat Therapy
Limit initial sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Sit on a lower bench in saunas for cooler air.
Exit immediately if you feel light-headed, dizzy, nauseous, or short of breath.
Cold Therapy
Start with short immersions (30–60 seconds) and build gradually.
Avoid water colder than 10°C until tolerance and safety are established.
Enter slowly — sudden immersion can cause a “cold shock” response.
Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn“
SMART Challenges
Short-term goal (2–4 weeks)
If cleared by your healthcare provider, trial one short session of either heat or cold therapy once per week, monitoring how you feel and logging your heart rate and symptoms.
Long-term goal (3–6 months)
Develop a safe, personalised routine that incorporates heat or cold therapy up to 2–3 times per week, ensuring no adverse cardiovascular responses.
Small steps in self-care lead to big leaps in wellbeing.” – Unknown“
Recommended Equipment & Tools
Heart rate monitor (such as Polar, Garmin, or Apple Watch) to track responses.
Thermometer for water temperature in ice baths.
Hydration bottle to encourage fluid intake.
Book References
Laukkanen, Jari. The Finnish Sauna: The Science of Heat Therapy.
Tipton, Mike & Eglin, Clare. The Physiology of Cold Water Immersion.
Research References
Laukkanen, T., et al. (2018). Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in middle-aged Finnish men. Age and Ageing, 46(2), 245–249.
Castellani, J. W., & Tipton, M. J. (2015). Cold stress effects on exposure tolerance and exercise performance. Comprehensive Physiology, 5(1), 135–164.
Conclusion
Saunas, steam rooms, and ice baths can be enjoyable and potentially beneficial for some cardiac patients, but they must be approached with care. Always consult your healthcare team before starting, start slowly, monitor your body’s responses, and avoid extremes.
If you’re in doubt, focus first on building a strong foundation of cardiovascular fitness and strength — these therapies should be an addition, not a replacement, for regular exercise.
Health is not just about what you’re avoiding — it’s about what you’re building.” – Jamie Pickett
Our sessions
You can improve your cardiovascular fitness, mobility, and recovery with My Movement Medicine’s safe, evidence-based exercise sessions.
We offer online and face-to-face classes designed for people with heart conditions, as well as one-to-one support.
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