06/29/2025
If you're looking for a relaxing way to boost your heart health and even add years to your life, stepping into a sauna a few times a week might do the trick. A major study out of Finland followed more than 2,000 middle-aged men for two decades and found that those who used the sauna 4 to 7 times a week had a 50% lower risk of dying from heart disease than those who used it just once a week. Even more impressive, these frequent sauna users had a lower overall risk of dying from any cause — suggesting regular sauna sessions could actually help you live longer.
The reason saunas are so powerful comes down to how heat affects the body. Sitting in a hot sauna causes your heart rate to rise, your blood vessels to widen, and your blood to circulate more efficiently — much like what happens during moderate exercise. That’s why scientists sometimes call it “passive cardio.” For people who want the heart health benefits of exercise without additional physical stress, especially older adults or those recovering from injury, regular sauna use can be a simple and enjoyable option.
