The impact of hot water on blood pressure
According to Dr. G. Krishna Mohan Reddy - Consultant Diabetes Specialist at Yashoda Hospital (Hyderabad, India), hot showers can help lower blood pressure temporarily thanks to the mechanism of dilating blood vessels. When exposed to heat, subcutaneous blood vessels dilate, blood flow increases not only to the skin but also to vital organs, thereby helping to improve circulation and reduce blood pressure.
A study published in the journal Geriatrics shows that showering in hot water in the evening can have a better lower blood pressure effect than at noon or in the afternoon, especially in the elderly. However, experts still emphasize that hot showers cannot replace medical treatment or prescription drugs, according to Onlymyhealth.
Safe temperature and shower time
Dr. Reddy recommends that people with high blood pressure should:
Keep the water temperature at around 3740°C (equivalent to 100105°F).
Do not soak for more than 1520 minutes at a time.
Too high a temperature or too long a bath can lead to dizziness, dehydration, or even a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially in people with unstable blood pressure.
Can cause dizziness or fainting
Dr. Reddy says that if exposed to hot water for a long time, the patient may experience dizziness, lightheadedness or even fainting. The reason is due to excessive dilation of the vessels, causing blood pressure to drop faster than the body can regulate.
If you feel dizzy while bathing, slowly step out of the tank, sit down and replenish water. It is important to listen to your body and not force yourself to continue if you feel unwell.
Potential benefits for the cardiovascular system
If done properly, hot showers can bring some cardiovascular benefits. It helps reduce vascular inflammation, promote blood circulation and support the recovery process in damaged tissues.
However, people with conditions such as unstable angina, uncontrolled high blood pressure or serious cardiovascular disease need to be especially careful and should consult a doctor before using hot water to relax. Elderly people also need to pay attention to the risk of falling and loss of balance when getting up from the bathroom due to sudden drops in blood pressure.
