Association of sauna bathing and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality

Prospective cohort (2315 Finnish men, 20-year follow-up) - 4-7 sauna sessions/week associated with 50% reduction in fatal CVD and 40% lower all-cause mortality.

Hazard Ratios

2-3 sessions/week: HR 0.78 for CVD mortality
4-7 sessions/week: HR 0.50 for CVD mortality
4-7 sessions/week: HR 0.60 for all-cause mortality

Mechanisms

Improved endothelial function, reduced arterial stiffness, enhanced fibrinolysis.

Outcomes

Systolic Blood Pressure
-4.2
mmHg (Millimetres of Mercury)

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