Alterations of haemostasis after exposure to sauna

Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis were examined in young healthy male volunteers before and after sauna baths. No consistent or periodical changes could be found. However on several days the increases of haemoglobin, platelet counts and factor VIII associated antigen and to a lesser degree of haematocrit, factor VIII, IX and XII reached statistical significance after sauna. The results suggest a tendency to an increased activity of the blood coagulation system.