Acute Myocardial Infarction Induced by Alternating Exposure to Heat in a Sauna and Rapid Cooling in Cold Water

Abstract

We describe a patient with acute myocardial infarction, which was thought to result from plaque rupture or thrombosis because of coronary artery spasm. The vasospasm was most likely induced by stimulation of the alpha-adrenergic receptors during alternating heat exposure during sauna bathing and rapid cooling during cold water bathing. This report emphasizes the dangers of rapid cooling after sauna bathing in patients with coronary risk factors.