Studies indicate warm foot baths help reduce blood pressure for individuals with hypertension. This method offers benefits to patients through the following effects:

Enhanced local blood circulation: Warm water dilates peripheral blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the legs and feet, reducing pressure on vessel walls, and temporarily lowering blood pressure.

Relaxation and stress reduction: Stress is a factor that elevates blood pressure. A 15-20 minute warm foot bath can relax muscles, ease tension and fatigue, improve mental state, and thus better control blood pressure.

Supports improved sleep: Warm foot baths promote mental relaxation, leading to quality sleep, especially for older adults or those with frequent insomnia. This indirectly helps stabilize blood pressure and protects long-term cardiovascular health.

For optimal effectiveness, patients should perform foot baths correctly. Use a large enough basin, pour cool water to cover the feet, then add warm water to achieve a suitable temperature. Add ingredients like bath salts or essential oils, stirring until dissolved. Gently place both feet into the basin and soak for 10-15 minutes. Remove feet, dry them with a soft towel, paying attention to drying between the toes.

Key considerations for warm foot baths for people with hypertension include maintaining a water temperature between 37-40 degrees Celsius, avoiding extremes of hot or cold. Soak feet for a maximum of 15-20 minutes, two to three times per week, to prevent adverse health effects from overuse. If patients experience unusual symptoms such as excessive sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat while soaking, they should stop, rest, and measure their blood pressure. Individuals with conditions like diabetes, varicose veins, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, fever, common cold, or open wounds on their feet should avoid warm foot baths or consult a doctor first.

While warm water can help lower blood pressure, it cannot fully replace medical treatments like medication and lifestyle changes. Patients must attend scheduled follow-ups, take medication as directed by their doctor, and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Monitor blood pressure daily to adjust promptly if readings exceed normal limits (>120/80 mmHg).

Specialist Doctor Level I Luong Sy Bac

Department of Cardiology

Tam Anh General Clinic District 7