A shower is one of the most ordinary parts of the day. For most healthy people, taking a shower is a safe and relaxing activity.
But viral posts sometimes claim that certain shower habits can cause heart attacks and strokes over time. The truth is more nuanced.
Normal showering does not cause heart attacks or strokes. However, very hot or very cold water can temporarily affect blood pressure, heart rate, circulation, and how hard the cardiovascular system has to work. These effects may matter more for older adults and people who already have heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, or other cardiovascular problems.
The good news is that you don’t need to stop showering or become afraid of your bathroom. A few simple habits can make showering more comfortable and safer.
1. Taking Extremely Hot Showers
One of the biggest problems is water that is excessively hot.
