There has been much scientific research into the health benefits of hot tub use. One of the biggest benefits marketed to potential buyers is stress relief.
There are many reasons why hot tub use has been linked to reduced stress. For instance, time spent away from the stresses of work and life while relaxing in very warm water has been proven to reduce the concentration of stress hormones.
What’s that got to do with blood pressure, you may ask? Well, if stress symptoms are left untreated, our overall health can be negatively impacted. This includes instances of heart disease, mental health issues, sleep problems and – yes – high blood pressure.
So, by reducing stress symptoms, hot tubs also help to keep blood pressure low.
Do hot tubs actually lower blood pressure?
We know that hot tubs can help to prevent high blood pressure, but can they actually reverse it as well? Well, yes – the general consensus of current research is that they can.
Here’s the argument: when immersed in hot water, the human heart must work harder to pump blood to the surface where it hopes to be cooled. The temperature of the water warms our blood, causing the blood vessels to dilate, which in turn temporarily lowers our blood pressure.
In terms of longer-lasting results, one study found that “Heat therapy using warm immersion results in increased endothelium-dependent dilatation and reduced arterial stiffness, wall thickness, and blood pressure”.
This could suggest that continued hot tub use may result in lowered blood pressure more permanently. That being said, research into hot tub health benefits is ongoing and hot tubs should not be used as a form of primary health care. Always consult your doctor if you are concerned about your blood pressure.
Using a hot tub safely
You might think hot tub use would be particularly beneficial for those with high blood pressure; however, there are other risks to consider. Hot tubs can actually have a similar effect to moderate exercise, which, if you have high blood pressure, could put too much stress on your body.
While hot tubs can help to lower you blood pressure, it’s important to consult with your doctor before using a hot tub for extended periods.
Those with a particularly low blood pressure must also be careful. Allowing your blood pressure to drop too low can result in lightheadedness or even loss of consciousness. So it’s important if you already have low blood pressure that you don’t stay in your hot tub for too long.
We always recommend entering and exiting your hot tub slowly to allow your body to properly acclimatise. After using your hot tub, drink plenty of water to replace any fluid lost from sweating.
If you require more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. If you’d like to browse the hot tubs we currently stock, click the button below.
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