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The Effect of Heat Therapy on Blood Pressure and Peripheral Vascular Function: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Author(s) -
Pizzey Faith,
Smith Emily,
Ruediger Stefanie,
Keating Shelley,
Askew Christopher,
Coombes Jeff,
Bailey Tom
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2021.35.s1.05025
Subject(s) - medicine , blood pressure , arterial stiffness , meta analysis , cardiology
Background Lifelong sauna exposure is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Recent studies have investigated the effect of heat therapy (e.g. warm water immersion, Waon therapy or sauna) on markers of cardiovascular health. We aimed to conduct a systematic review with meta‐analysis to determine the effects of heat therapy on blood pressure and indices of vascular function in healthy and clinical populations. Methods Four databases were searched up to September 2020 for studies investigating heat therapy on outcomes including blood pressure and vascular function. GRADE was used to assess the certainty of evidence. Results 4522 titles were screened and 15 studies were included. Participants were 52±19 years old and most studies included healthy adults or adults with heart failure. Heat exposure was 30‐90 minutes, over 10‐36 sessions. Compared with control, heat therapy reduced MAP (n=4 studies; mean difference (MD):‐5.86 mmHg, 95% CI: ‐8.63, ‐3.10; p<0.0001), SBP (n=10; MD:‐3.94 mmHg, 95% CI: ‐7.22, ‐0.67; p=0.02), and DBP (n=9; MD:‐3.88 mmHg, 95% CI: ‐6.13, ‐1.63; p=0.0007), and improved FMD (n=5; MD:1.95%, 95% CI: 0.14, 3.76; p=0.03). Early evidence also suggests benefit for arterial stiffness and cutaneous microvascular function. Evidence certainty was moderate for the effect of heat therapy on SBP and DBP, and low for the effect of heat therapy on MAP and FMD. Conclusion Heat therapy is an effective therapeutic tool to reduce blood pressure and improve macrovascular function. Future research should aim to optimize heat therapy, including by mode and dose, for the prevention and management of CVD.