Contraindications to sauna
Contraindications to sauna for heart failure patients
  • Severe aortic stenosis,
  • unstable angina pectoris
  • recent myocardial infarction
  • uncontrolled hypertension
  • decompensated or ischaemic heart failure
Relative contraindications
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Patients receiving
    • Alcohol
    • beta-blockers
    • Nitrates
  • Elderly persons prone to orthostatic hypotension causing syncope
  • Severe valvular disease
Possible contraindications/cautions
  • Fever
  • acute infectious or inflammatory conditions
  • skin conditions such as abrasions and urticaria1,2
Contraindications for sudden cold after sauna
  • ventricular and atrial arrhythmias in patients with CVD
  • unstable CVDs
  • recent acute myocardial infarction2
Death in Sauna Associated With a Transdermal Fentanyl Patch 20203
Contraindications For Sauna Use 4

If you’re interested in incorporating sauna therapy as part of an ME/CFS treatment protocol, note that there are some contraindications for use:

  • Use cautiously if you have orthostatic intolerance issues, including POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), or are intolerant to heat. Ask your doctor for advice before undertaking any kind of thermal therapy.
  • If you’re pregnant, have a high-risk pregnancy, or aren’t accustomed to sauna use, you should check with your doctor before trying it.
  • If you have a heart condition or are at risk for heart attack, please consult with your doctor.
  • Talk to your healthcare professional if you have a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia. Sauna therapy may not be right for you.
  • If you have other chronic, medical conditions, please talk to your doctor before attempting to use a sauna.
References
    1. Blum N, Blum A. Beneficial effects of sauna bathing for heart failure patients. Exp Clin Cardiol. 2007;12: 29–32.
    2. Laukkanen JA, Laukkanen T, Kunutsor SK. Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clin Proc. 2018;93: 1111–1121.
    3. Kriikku P, Ojanperä I, Lunetta P. Death in Sauna Associated With a Transdermal Fentanyl Patch. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2020. doi:10.1097/PAF.0000000000000565
    4. https://www.prohealth.com/library/can-sauna-therapy-benefit-me-cfs-patients-93730

Bruce ThompsonAUTHOR
BRUCE THOMPSON

Bruce Thompson is a qualified Physiotherapist who has been using and teaching hydrotherapy for over 30 years.

See also:
traditionalhydrotherapy.com
hydro4covid.com