Effect of Local Heat Stress Via Leg Bath on Artery Function

Arteries are flexible in their structure and function and change in response to a variety of factors. Endothelial cells, are the skin type cells that form a layer inside arteries, and they are very important for arterial health. When they work properly, they produce substances that make the artery enlarge and support a healthy environment; but when they do not work properly, they produce substances that make the artery constrict and lead to a harmful environment. We can measure the function of these cells using an ultrasound machine and a quick test. The application of heat has been shown to change the structure and function of arteries, but we need to understand how these changes happen before we can effectively use heat as a therapy. Limb heating protocols (e.g., leg bath), in contrast with whole-body heating modes (e.g., sauna), are appealing as therapies because they generally cost less and are easier to use; but evidence is needed to demonstrate that they work before widespread use can be considered. Imagine soaking your legs in a bathtub filled with warm water becoming part of the options you have for staying healthy. Clearly, there is a lot of potential for heat to be used as a therapy, particularly for people who are unable to, or have difficulty participating in other health interventions that are known to improve arterial, but we need to do this type of research before we are able to recommend warm foot baths for therapeutic purposes.