Plunging directly from a hot sauna into ice-cold water poses severe health risks due to extreme temperature contrasts, according to Dr. Elina Aranovich, head of the therapeutic department at Yusupov Hospital.
Speaking to news outlet Lenta.ru, Aranovich warned that the sudden transition causes blood vessels to rapidly constrict after expanding in heat, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral blood clot formation.
Explaining the physiological impact, the physician stated that blood vessels widen significantly while inside a steam room. Immediate immersion in freezing water causes an abrupt vascular spasm, which adversely affects the functioning of the entire body.
She noted that this sharp narrowing of blood vessels can cause arterial blood pressure to spike suddenly and disrupt normal blood circulation throughout the body. The resulting cardiovascular strain raises the risk of life-threatening events several times over.
Heart and breathing hazards
Full immersion in freezing water is not necessary to provoke a dangerous reaction, according to the doctor. She explained that even cold splashes landing on heated skin can trigger a reflex disruption of breathing, which can lead to complete respiratory arrest.
Aranovich added that sharp temperature contrasts place intense physical stress on the human body. In addition to breathing issues and heart rhythm irregularities, the sudden shock can provoke acute panic attacks in vulnerable individuals.
Sudden cold exposure triggers what medical experts refer to as the cold shock response, an involuntary cardiovascular reaction. When cold water hits warm skin, rapid gasping and hyperventilation can occur automatically, compounding the strain on the heart and respiratory system.
Dangers of contrast bathing
Sauna bathing and contrast water therapy have been practiced for centuries across Northern and Eastern Europe, where alternating between high-heat steam rooms and frigid plunges is a traditional wellness routine. In modern spa and fitness settings, cold water immersion is often promoted for boosting recovery. However, medical specialists emphasize that the human circulatory system requires gradual acclimation to prevent dangerous thermal shock.
During heat exposure, peripheral blood vessels undergo vasodilation to radiate core body heat. When suddenly submerged in ice water, intense vasoconstriction forces blood back toward central organs, dramatically increasing workload on the heart muscle.
Diving into cold water following heat exposure is particularly difficult for the human body to manage, Aranovich highlighted. The practice can worsen pre-existing chronic inflammatory diseases affecting the nasopharynx and nasal sinuses.
Furthermore, the physician cautioned that individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions of the urogenital system may suffer more frequent disease flare-ups after engaging in such extreme contrast procedures.
Recognizing cardiac warnings
The doctor's warning comes alongside broader medical guidance regarding cardiovascular risk factors and early warning signs. In related health guidance, cardiologist and anesthesiologist-resuscitator Anton Vakhlyaev previously pointed out that the onset of angina pectoris can serve as a primary indicator of an impending heart attack.
Angina pectoris typically manifests as chest discomfort or pressure when heart muscle tissue receives inadequate oxygenated blood flow. Medical experts emphasize that recognizing early chest symptoms and seeking prompt care is critical for preventing permanent cardiac damage.
Health professionals advise anyone using saunas or steam baths to allow their body temperature to lower gradually in ambient air or through lukewarm showers rather than jumping straight into ice-cold water.
