The Role of Sauna Bathing in Ischemic Heart Disease: A Narrative Review of Therapeutic Potential, Physiological Mechanisms, and Emerging Clinical Applications

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) continues to be one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality among the general adult population. It occurs due to a lack of sufficient coronary blood flow. Sauna bathing has recently been reported to give cardiovascular benefits that are similar to those from a moderate level of exercise. The proposed benefits include increased vascular function, lower blood pressure, and improved cardiac performance. Thus, sauna therapy could be considered as an adjunctive intervention for patients with IHD. This review assesses the existing clinical research on the therapeutic use of sauna bathing in managing IHD, the physiological pathways contributing to its protective effects, and future research directions. Relevant studies were identified in PubMed and Google Scholar (2015-2025) using keywords such as IHD, sauna bathing, and steam bath. The studies showed that with consistent usage of Finnish or far-infrared saunas, patients with IHD gain better hemodynamic stability, endothelial function, autonomic balance, and anti-inflammatory activity. Observational studies have been most consistent in showing that sauna use produces a favorable impact on the cardiovascular system. However, the results of randomized controlled trials offer rather mixed conclusions. In conclusion, while sauna treatment seems safe and beneficial (especially for patients who are not able to undergo regular exercise), it warrants the need for unitary protocols and larger, longer-lasting trials to both establish its effectiveness and clarify its position in cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation.