# Heat Therapy versus Exercise Training in Hypertension

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF OREGON · 2021 · $599,784

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
In the U.S., hypertension (HTN) accounts for more cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths than any
other modifiable CVD risk factor, second only to cigarette smoking as a preventable cause of death for any
reason. Based on recently updated clinical classifications, the US prevalence of HTN is 46%. Importantly, non-
pharmacological treatment rather than antihypertensive medication is recommended for most adults who have
HTN based on the new classifications (i.e., those not previously classified as HTN). Lifestyle interventions such
as regular exercise are considered a first-line preventative against the development of HTN and in the
treatment of diagnosed HTN. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between
physical activity and physical fitness and level of blood pressure and HTN. Unfortunately, the vast majority of
people are reticent to initiate exercise training and compliance in exercise training regimens that meet the
minimum standards are extremely low. Additionally, some patient groups are not able to perform exercise due
to a number of limitations or are not able to obtain the full benefits of exercise to reduce CVD risk. Thus,
alternative non-pharmacological options to lower blood pressure and improve CVD risk are critically needed.
Heat therapy, in the form of hot bath or sauna, is an ancient practice that has recently regained attention in the
prevention and treatment of CVD. A recent 20+year prospective cohort study from Finland, where sauna use is
extremely common and part of the culture, has demonstrated that regular sauna use was associated with
reduced risk of developing HTN, which may explain in part the reduced rates of all-cause cardiovascular
deaths with regular sauna use previously reported in the larger cohort. To date, there have been no clinical
trials in humans to determine whether heat therapy is an effective treatment to reduce blood pressure in those
with HTN. As such, we propose a clinical trial to determine whether heat therapy can effectively reduce blood
pressure in HTN. We will compare the blood pressure reductions following heat therapy to standard exercise
training. We hypothesize that 30 sessions of passive heat therapy using hot water immersion over 8-10 weeks
will improve blood pressure in HTN individuals to a greater extent than exercise. In addition, we will evaluate
clinical measures, key vascular and autonomic biomarkers of HTN, and cardiovascular health risk before and
following heat therapy and exercise training. We further hypothesize that heat therapy will increase vascular
compliance, lower sympathetic outflow, and improve endothelial function in individuals with HTN. Lastly, we will
determine whether the acute decreases in blood pressure following a heat therapy session or exercise test will
predict the sustained reduction in resting blood pressures following heat therapy treatment or exercise training
in HTN subjects. These findings would provi...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10199776
- **Project number:** 5R01HL144128-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
- **Principal Investigator:** John R. Halliwill
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $599,784
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-15 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10199776

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10199776, Heat Therapy versus Exercise Training in Hypertension (5R01HL144128-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10199776. Licensed CC0.

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