Whole-Body Hyperthermia WBH for Primary Hypertension & Cardiovascular diseases
Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH) as an Adjuvant Physical Therapy for Primary Hypertension and Cardiovascular Health
Published: 2025-10-13 | Last Reviewed: 2025-10-13
1. How Does Mild Infrared-A (IR-A) Hyperthermia Influence Primary Hypertension?
Mild Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH), mediated by water-filtered Infrared-A IR-A radiation(wIRA hyperthermia), acts as an adjuvant physical therapy for patients with *Essential Arterial Hypertension* (WHO stages I and II). Clinical studies indicate that serial WBH sessions positively impact central and peripheral pulse waves, blood pressure, and the flow properties of blood (viscosity), suggesting an overall improvement in hemodynamics and circulatory health [1, 4].
Mechanisms of Action in Arterial Hypertension
Research on the effects of WBH (especially in the *mild* regimen, below 38.5 degrees C ) has highlighted the following clinical and physiological benefits:
- Pulse Wave Modulation: A series of mild IR-A treatments demonstrated the ability to favorably influence *central and peripheral pulse waves* in hypertensive patients, indicating a potential improvement in vascular elasticity [1].
- Blood Viscosity Reduction: A single WBH session has shown a direct influence on blood viscosity, as well as on *heart rate* and *blood pressure* in patients with Hypertension stages I and II [4].
- Serial Therapeutic Effect: Serial irradiations with water-filtered IR-A have been investigated for their effects on patients with Arterial Hypertension, underscoring the role of this method as a valid *physical therapy* [2].
- Predictability of Response: A single mild IR-A hyperthermia session can be used to make *predictions* regarding a patient’s response to a complete therapeutic cycle (further treatments) [5].
2. WBH in Hypertension Treatment (WHO Stages I and II)
Studies have focused on patients diagnosed with *Essential Arterial Hypertension* (Types I and II, according to the WHO classification).
- Target Group: Research included patients in the *early and moderate stages* of hypertension, showing clear benefits in the context of an adjuvant treatment [2, 3].
- Physiological Monitoring: Essential physiological parameters, including body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood viscosity, were closely monitored during and after treatment to quantify acute and cumulative effects [4].
- Academic Dissertation: A dedicated study (Diss. Humboldt-Universität Berlin, 1991) specifically analyzed the effects of a single versus serial sessions of *Infrared-A Hyperthermia* in HTA Stages I and II patients [3].
Overview of recommended WBH sessions with von Ardenne Iratherm 1000 WBH wIRA device and target temperatures
Treatments shall only be performed after final consultation with a medical doctor
| Indication | No. of sessions | Target temperature | Therapy time Increase phase Plateau phase | Rest time Resting phase | Total WBH session time | |
| Essential Hypertension | 12 | 38.3 °C | 30 min | 15 min | ~ 45 min | |
| 30 min | 0 min | |||||
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about WBH and Arterial Hypertension
What type of hyperthermia is used for the treatment of hypertension?
Primarily *Mild Whole-Body Hyperthermia Mild WBH, applied using *Infrared-A (IR-A) radiation*, is utilized for primary hypertension, serving as a non-invasive physical therapy [2, 4].
Does hyperthermia influence blood viscosity?
Yes. Studies have shown that a single session of Mild wIRA Hyperthermia can positively influence *blood viscosity* (flow properties) in patients with arterial hypertension, contributing to better circulation [4].
Can Whole-Body Hyperthermia with wIRA be used for other pathologies?
Yes.Other benefits and areas of application of Whole Body Hyperthermia include Oncology, accelerated metabolism , stimulation of the hormonal system , reduction in muscle tone , enhanced nerve conduction, Systemic sclerosis, Depressive episode, Essential (primary) hypertension, Dorsalgia, Fibromyalgia, Ankylosing spondylitis
A more detailed list of studies and effects ( (from foundational studies on wIRA technology to crucial Phase III clinical trials) can be found here
Scientific References (E-E-A-T)
- Meffert B., Hochmuth O., Steiner M.
Effects of a multiple mild infrared a induced hyperthermia on central and peripheral pulse waves in hypertensive patients.
North Sea Conference on Biomedical Engineering 1990, >Abstract - Meffert H., Scherf HP., Meffert B.
Milde Infrarot-A-Hyperthermie. Auswirkungen von Serienbestrahlungen mit wassergefilterter Infrarotstrahlung auf Gesunde und Kranke mit arterieller Hypertonie bzw. systemischer Sklerodermie.
Akt Dermatol 1993; 19:142-48, >Abstract, Volltext-Link - Mischke M.
Wirkungen einer einmaligen bzw. seriellen Infrarot-A-Hyperthermie bei Patienten mit arterieller Hypertonie der WHO-Stadien I und II.
Diss. Humboldt-Universität Berlin 18.07.1991 - Scherf H.P., Meffert H., Bäumler H., Dittmann K., Siewert H., Strangfeld D., Winterfeld H.J., Hecht H.C., Schuhmann E., Sönnichsen N.
Wirkung einer einmaligen milden Infrarot-A-Hyperthermie auf Körpertemperatur, Herzfrequenz, Blutdruck und Blutviskosität bei Gesunden und Patienten mit arterieller Hypertonie der Stadien I und II.
Dermatol Monatsschr 1989; 175:733-40, >Abstract - Scherf H.P., Meffert H., Mischke M., Schollak K.P.
Physikalische Therapie der arteriellen Hypertonie- Eine einmalige milde Infrarot-A-Hyperthermie gestattet Voraussagen hinsichtlich des nsprechens auf weitere Behandlungen.
Phys Rehab Kur Med 1991; 1:38-40, >Abstract


