How Saunas Help Improve Circulation and Cardiovascular Health
Posted on 10 July 2025
Saunas are used across many cultures as a way to support health and well-being. There are many physical and mental health benefits associated with sauna use, such as improved muscle recovery and reduced stress. In addition to this, saunas have been shown to have a profound impact on both cardiovascular health and overall blood circulation throughout the body. Owning your own home sauna in Chicago and using it regularly can help support a heart-healthy lifestyle. If you have been looking to invest in your cardiovascular health, investing in an indoor sauna is a great place to start. Start customizing your own sauna on SaunaFin’s homepage today!
Here is a breakdown of how sauna improves circulation and heart health.
The Body’s Response to Heat
When you step into the sauna, your body will have a few biological responses to the heat. One of the first things that will happen is that your heart rate will increase, simultaneously increasing blood flow throughout the body. When you enter the sauna, vasodilation will also occur, which is the process of your blood vessels widening to support the increased blood flow. Overall, your body’s core temperature will rise, and this will also cause you to sweat rather profusely during your sauna session.
Improved Blood Circulation
Heat-induced vasodilation helps improve blood circulation throughout the entire body. This increased blood flow can help deliver oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to sore muscles or injuries. Sauna use also naturally helps relax your muscles, speeding up recovery.
Cardiovascular Health Benefits
One of the most well-researched benefits of sauna use includes its profound impact on heart health. Regular sauna use has been shown to decrease an individual’s risk of cardiovascular-related diseases and mortality. In addition to this, regular sauna use has also been associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.
Saunas also act like a form of cardiovascular exercise, given the fact that the heart rate increases so significantly while in the sauna. This acts as conditioning, improving cardiovascular function.
Stress Reduction and Heart Health
Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks, cardiac arrest and cardiovascular disease.
Sauna use has been shown to support mental health while lowering cortisol and stress levels, contributing to improved heart health in those with chronic stress. When you enter a sauna, your cortisol levels will spike temporarily as a response to the extreme heat. However, once your sauna session is over, cortisol levels fall, contributing to less stress. Sauna use is also associated with improved sleep and mood because of the release of serotonin and endorphins that occur during sauna sessions. This can also contribute to lower stress levels and improve mental health.
Invest in Your Heart Health with SaunaFin
If you are looking to invest in your health this year, you should consider investing in an indoor sauna. A great deal of research supports the notion that sauna use can help improve cardiovascular function and blood circulation. This makes a home sauna the perfect investment for those looking to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events in the future or those looking to boost muscle recovery significantly. Start designing your home sauna in Chicago with SaunaFin today!
