Sauna and blood pressure

Going to the sauna with high or low blood pressure

Blood pressure problems don't necessarily mean you have to skip a sauna day—as long as you know how to handle them properly. Blood pressure is the force of fluid in the arteries, and this fluctuates during a sauna session. The heat causes blood vessels to dilate and then constrict again during cooling down, which trains the muscles in the vessel walls and helps maintain vascular health. Regular sauna use may even have a mildly regulating effect on blood pressure.

Sauna and high blood pressure

Due to the high temperature in the sauna, your body temperature rises slightly. In response, the blood vessels—particularly those near the skin—dilate, which reduces resistance and lowers blood pressure.
If you have elevated or high blood pressure, the cooling-down phase is especially important. During cooling, your blood vessels constrict, causing your blood pressure to rise again. For this reason, it's important to cool down gradually before using the cold plunge pool or cold shower.

So, visiting the sauna with high blood pressure is not necessarily an issue. But if you're unsure or take medication for your blood pressure, we strongly advise speaking with your physician first.

Sauna and low blood pressure

If you have low blood pressure, be cautious during the heating phase. The sauna can cause a further drop in blood pressure, which may lead to dizziness or even fainting. Avoid the hottest spots in the sauna, and ideally visit with a partner or friend.
We recommend keeping your sauna sessions short and, when exiting, sitting on the lower bench with your feet down to ease circulation before standing up.

A sauna visit is still perfectly possible with low blood pressure, but again: if you have concerns or are on medication, consult your doctor first.

Enjoy the sauna safely at Thermen

Whether you have high or low blood pressure, you can still enjoy a relaxing and safe wellness experience—as long as you know your limits and listen to your body. At Thermen, you can choose from over 16 different types of saunas. If you have any doubts, our sauna hosts are always happy to guide you to the saunas that best suit your needs.

Ready to relax? You're in good hands.