Can patients with heart disease take hot spring baths?

Generally, whether patients with heart disease can take hot spring baths depends on the severity of their condition. Patients with mild and stable heart disease, whose physical function is minimally affected, may appropriately enjoy hot spring bathing. However, those with severe or unstable heart conditions should avoid hot spring baths to prevent adverse effects on their health. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Patients with mild and stable heart disease typically have a cardiac functional class of 1 to 2, indicating relatively minor impact on the body. They can generally tolerate the increased circulation caused by hot spring bathing and may benefit from it. In such cases, hot spring bathing can promote overall blood circulation, relieve physical fatigue, and reduce stress.

Patients with severe or unstable heart disease usually have a cardiac functional class of 3 to 4, indicating decompensated heart function and more serious symptoms. They may not tolerate the physical stress caused by accelerated blood circulation, potentially experiencing symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, which could negatively affect disease management. Therefore, these patients should avoid hot spring baths to protect their health.

Patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow a balanced diet, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and reduce intake of stimulating foods, all of which help control the disease and support recovery.