Warm water surrounds your body. Muscles start to loosen. Jets massage your skin. After a few minutes of soaking, it feels easy to put aside stressors from your busy day.
But what is actually going on with your heart and blood vessels?
The connection between heart health and hot tubs is complex.
Hot tubs create changes in the cardiovascular system, including heart rate and blood pressure. Some studies show potential cardiovascular benefits from repeated warm-water immersion. Researchers still need to learn more about the relationship to say with certainty that hot tubs can treat heart disease.
What Loomis homeowners need to know about this matter is quite simple – understand what hot tubs do to your body and how to use them properly.
Quick Answer: Are Hot Tubs Good for Your Heart?
Warm water immersion leads to temporary changes in the cardiovascular system.
Warmth causes blood vessels near the skin to dilate. As a result, blood flow to the skin increases. Your heart rate may increase as well when you are in a hot tub.
Several studies proved that warm water immersion decreases certain blood pressure parameters while increasing heart rate. At the same time, researchers state that there is no evidence that hot tubs can bring long-lasting cardiovascular benefits to people’s health.
That means that a hot tub can be a part of your relaxing wellness routine.
It is not a substitute for exercise, medications, or recommendations from your healthcare provider.
What Happens to Your Blood Vessels When You Soak?
Heat causes the process of vasodilation.
It means that your blood vessels dilate.
This way, blood flow through vessels near the surface of your skin increases. That is the mechanism of heat release from your body.
The American Heart Association notes that hot tubs and saunas cause such blood vessels dilation. The same process happens in case of physical activities like brisk walking, for example.
This explains why a hot tub is so relaxing.
However, the same process can lead to changes in blood pressure. Thus, people who have cardiovascular problems should learn more about them.
Does a Hot Tub Decrease Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure may temporarily decrease during or after warm water immersion.
According to a recent systematic review, a single session of warm water immersion results in decreased diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure and increased heart rate on average. However, researchers cannot say that a hot tub is a remedy for high blood pressure.
Blood pressure reaction to warm water differs depending on a person.
Medications, water temperature, duration of a session, hydration status, age, and health problems can affect blood pressure response to the hot tub.
People who take blood pressure medications or have cardiovascular diseases should discuss hot tub usage with a healthcare professional.
Why Does Your Heart Rate Increase When You Use a Hot Tub?
Heart rate increases in response to heat.
When warm water increases blood flow to the skin, your heart beats faster to distribute blood throughout your body.
The recently performed systematic review of hot water immersion studies proved that heart rate increases in a short term during a single session of immersion.
It does not automatically make hot tubs unhealthy for healthy adults.
It shows that immersion in hot water is not a passive process. It activates your cardiovascular system.
Can Regular Hot-Tub Use Lead to Improved Cardiovascular System?
Researchers continue to investigate this issue.
Certain studies found positive changes in resting heart rate and other cardiovascular indicators after repeated warm-water immersion. However, the most recent systematic review of warm water immersion studies states that the evidence about the effects is uncertain due to various factors like study design and methodology.
It makes the distinction crucial.
A hot tub may be a part of a relaxing routine for people.
It does not mean that it can be marketed as a prevention or treatment of heart diseases.
What About People with High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure does not mean that people cannot use a hot tub.
According to the American Heart Association, people with controlled high blood pressure can usually tolerate hot tubs and saunas. However, people with concerns regarding hot tubs should consult their healthcare professionals.
The AHA also suggests being careful if a healthcare professional prescribed to avoid moderate physical activity.
Additionally, people with high blood pressure should avoid rapid alternation of hot and cold environments because it can affect blood pressure.
Consult Your Doctor If You Have a Heart Condition
Certain groups of people should receive professional medical guidance before using a hot tub.
These people may have some of the following conditions:
- Heart diseases
- Blood pressure problems
- Circulation problems
- Medications that affect blood pressure
- History of dizziness or syncope
- Heat or exercise restrictions
The list depends on personal medical history.
While a spa dealer can inform you about a hot tub, your healthcare provider will answer questions regarding the appropriatenae of a hot tub for your health condition.
Keep Hot Tub Temperature Safe
The hotter is not necessarily the better.
The CDC recommends to keep water temperature below 104°F (40°C).
Many people feel comfortable at a lower temperature.
For example, you may prefer a cooler water when soaking longer or in hot weather.
During hot Loomis summers, you may prefer a lower water temperature.
The main point is relaxation, not how much heat you can stand.
Avoid Alcohol Before and During Hot-Tub Soaking
Drinking alcohol beside a spa may look tempting. But alcohol and hot water are not a good combination.
The CDC recommends not drinking alcohol before or during immersion in a hot tub.
Alcohol may reduce awareness of overheating and feeling lightheaded.
Instead, keep water close.
It is necessary to stay hydrated in a hot environment.
Get Out If You Feel Dizzy
Paying attention to how you feel is crucial.
If you feel dizzy, weak, unusually tired, nauseated, or lightheaded, leave the hot tub.
Trying to “push through” the uncomfortable sensation is wrong.
Warm water reduces blood pressure of some people. Quick standing up may increase dizziness as well.
Leave the hot tub slowly.
Steps and handrails can help you during entry and exit.
Do Not Quickly Move from Hot to Cold Water
Hot-to-cold contrast routines became quite popular in wellness industry.
People with blood pressure or cardiovascular problems should be careful when performing this routine.
The American Heart Association recommends people with high blood pressure not to alternate between cold water and hot tubs or saunas because rapid temperature change can increase blood pressure.
If you want to alternate between hot and cold water, first, consult your healthcare provider.
Hydrotherapy is Still Relaxing
Not every effect of hot tubs has to be medicinal.
Sometimes the effect is much simpler.
Warm water and strategically placed jets provide a comfortable massaging effect after a hard day.
A hot tub can be a place where you can:
- Set aside your phone
- Talk to your spouse
- Relax outdoors
- Wind down before bedtime
- Spend time with your family
- Take a break from daily activities
They are valid reasons to buy a hot tub without any promises regarding your heart.
Jet Placement Is Important for Comfort
If relaxation is your primary goal, do not choose a hot tub based on the number of jets.
Consider how these jets hit your body.
One seat can have jets for shoulder and upper back.
The second can have jets for the lower back.
Loungers may have jets for legs, calves, and feet.
The best combination depends on you.
That is why it is useful to sit in different models before buying a hot tub.
Choose a Hot Tub You Will Really Use
A hot tub becomes a part of your wellness routine when it is convenient.
Think about where the spa will be installed.
It is much easier to use a hot tub when it is located near the house than in the far corner of your yard.
Consider the following factors as well:
- Comfortable steps
- Handrails
- Privacy
- Lighting
- Cover lifters
- Easy controls
- Depth of seats
- Energy efficiency
- Maintenance needs
The key is to remove small obstacles that stop you from using a spa.
Maintain Proper Hot-Tub Water Quality
Proper water maintenance is essential for safe immersion.
The CDC recommends maintaining proper sanitizer and pH in hot tubs. It also suggests to shower before getting into the hot tub and avoid hot tub use when having diarrhea.
Follow the maintenance instructions for your particular spa and its water maintenance system.
Regular filtering, water testing, and maintenance make your hot tub more attractive to use.
Hot Tubs and Heart Health: Do Not Overestimate Claims
Warm-water immersion influences the cardiovascular system.
Blood vessels dilate. Heart rate increases. Certain parameters of blood pressure decrease.
It is true.
However, researchers still investigate whether hot-water immersion provides certain cardiovascular benefits. There is not enough evidence for hot tubs to become a heart remedy or a replacement for exercise.
Treat your hot tub as a tool for relaxation, hydrotherapy, entertainment, and leisure.
If you buy it to maintain your cardiovascular health, discuss it with a healthcare professional.
Visit Sunset Spas Loomis
Sunset Spas Loomis helps homeowners from Loomis, Rocklin, Roseville, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Auburn, and neighboring Placer County communities compare premium hot tubs and swim spas.
Our team can help you compare seats, jet placement, hydrotherapy features, energy-efficient characteristics, size, and backyard installation options.
If relaxation and wellness are your top priorities, visit several hot tub models and see which one feels better.
The best hot tub is not the one making the boldest claims about your heart health.
