A new study suggests men that regularly visited a sauna lived longer and were less likely to die of sudden heart attacks compared to men who did not visit frequently.

Scientists have found those that sweat it out more often (up to once every day) experienced the greatest benefit.

Like Us on Facebook

Even compared to people that enjoyed one trip a week, their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease was 50 percent lower.

Researchers looked at the link between sauna bathing and the risk of sudden cardiac death, fatal coronary heart disease, fatal cardiovascular disease and dying from any cause among a group of 2,315 middle-aged men (42 to 60 years old) from eastern Finland.

Their progress was followed for around 21 years, with the death rates between those who lazed in a sauna once a week compared to others who made more frequent visits.

During the follow-up period, scientists recorded 190 sudden cardiac deaths, 281 fatal cases of coronary heart disease, 407 deaths from cardiovascular disease and 929 deaths from "all causes".

Going to sauna four to seven days a week was linked to a 40 percent reduction in death risk.

Staying more than 19 minutes in the sauna also appeared more beneficial than staying less than 11 minutes in the hot, wood-paneled room.

"Further studies are warranted to establish the potential mechanism that links sauna bathing and cardiovascular health," said the study, led by Jari Laukkanen, of the University of Eastern Finland.

Some previous studies have found saunas are linked to improved heart health, but none have proven cause and effect, or explained exactly how saunas may be helping the body.

The latest study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine.

Tagssauna, exercise, cardiovascular disease, health condition, sauna bathing