Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal

Cardiovascular disease has emerged as a significant global health challenge, imposing an immense burden on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. As the leading cause of mortality, cardiovascular diseases encompass a diverse range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Several risk factors contribute to the development of these ailments, such as smoking, unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity. In recent years, an emerging body of research has drawn attention to the potential influence of environmental temperature on cardiovascular health, sparking interest in investigating the link between passive heat exposure and its impact on mitigating cardiovascular risks.

With the advent of climate change, the world has witnessed increasing global temperatures and more frequent and intense heatwaves. These climatic shifts have raised concerns about their potential repercussions on public health, particularly cardiovascular well-being. Certain population groups, such as the elderly, individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, and those residing in urban heat islands, are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of extreme heat. As heat stress becomes a more pressing issue, understanding its association with cardiovascular disease becomes crucial in implementing preventive measures and developing targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations.

Amidst the growing interest in the relationship between environmental temperature and cardiovascular health, passive heat therapies have emerged as a fascinating area of investigation. Passive heat therapies involve brief exposure to elevated temperatures without engaging in physical activity, and they have been practiced for centuries in various cultures worldwide. Traditional Finnish saunas, steam baths, repeated hot water immersion, infrared-ray saunas, Waon therapy, and Turkish baths are some of the well-known examples. Recent research suggests that these passive heat treatments may offer a range of beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Studies have shown improvements in blood vessel function, reduced blood pressure, enhanced endothelial function, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease following regular sessions of passive heat exposure. While further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and long-term effects, the emerging body of evidence presents an exciting avenue for potential interventions that could complement existing cardiovascular health strategies.

In light of the aforementioned factors, this Article Collection aims to gather contributions from researchers and experts in the field, exploring the intricate connections between environmental temperature, passive heat therapies, and cardiovascular health. By shedding light on this topic, we hope to inspire potential authors to delve into this area of research and provide future readers with an informative overview of the current state of knowledge in this rapidly evolving field. Understanding the implications of environmental temperature and passive heat exposure on cardiovascular health is of utmost importance as we strive to develop evidence-based strategies for promoting heart health in an ever-changing world. The Article Collection “Environmental Temperature, Passive Heat and Cardiovascular Health” will collect high-quality original research papers and comprehensive reviews on recent evidence in relation to environmental temperature, passive heat therapies and vascular outcomes. The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• The Impact of Heatwaves on Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality
• Climate Change and Cardiovascular Health: Preparing for a Hotter Future
• Vulnerable Populations: Assessing Cardiovascular Risks in Heat-Prone Groups
• The Role of Heat Stress in Hypertension Development and Management
• Passive Heat Therapy and Endothelial Function: Mechanisms and Implications
• Sauna Bathing and Cardioprotection: Current Evidence and Future Directions
• Infrared Sauna Therapy: Effects on Blood Pressure and Vascular Function
• Cardiovascular Benefits of Traditional Finnish Saunas: A Comprehensive Review
• Heat Acclimatization and Cardiovascular Adaptations: Physiological Insights
• Passive Heat Interventions as Adjuncts to Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
• Public Health Interventions for Heatwave Mitigation and Cardiovascular Protection
• Comparative Analysis of Different Passive Heat Therapies in Cardiovascular Health
• The Impact of Urban Heat Islands on Cardiovascular Outcomes
• Sauna Bathing and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Events
• Waon Therapy: Therapeutic Applications and Cardiovascular Effects
• Passive Heat and Autonomic Nervous System Modulation in Cardiovascular Health
• Evaluating the Safety of Passive Heat Therapies in Cardiovascular Patients
• Personalized Approaches to Passive Heat Therapy for Cardiovascular Benefits
• Combining Passive Heat and Exercise: Synergistic Effects on Cardiovascular Health
• Health Policy Implications of Understanding the Heat-Cardiovascular Health Connection

The following article types will be accepted:

• Research Article
• Clinical Study
• Systematic Review
• Review Article

Instructions for AuthorsSubmit an Article