Who should not do cold showers?

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to health experts, a sudden drop in temperature from a cold shower can cause a physiological shock response in the body, which can be dangerous for certain individuals. It is therefore critical to understand who should not do cold showers due to underlying health conditions.

Quick Summary

People with pre-existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, poor circulation, or certain nerve disorders should avoid cold showers, as the sudden cold can increase heart rate and stress the cardiovascular system. Anyone pregnant or with cold-sensitive conditions should also proceed with extreme caution and seek medical advice first.

Key Points

Heart Conditions: Individuals with heart disease, arrhythmias, or high blood pressure should avoid cold showers due to the risk of increased heart rate and blood pressure from cold shock.
Circulatory Issues: People with Raynaud's phenomenon, peripheral vascular disease, or diabetes with poor circulation should be cautious or avoid cold showers, as the extreme temperature can worsen symptoms.
Cold Allergies: Cold urticaria is a condition where cold exposure causes an allergic reaction, including hives, swelling, and potentially severe systemic reactions, making cold showers extremely dangerous.
Pregnant and Post-Surgery: Pregnant women and those recovering from surgery or illness should avoid the stress of cold showers and consult a doctor first, as it could negatively impact recovery.
Gradual Acclimatization: If you are healthy, always introduce cold water gradually and for short durations, rather than plunging into extreme cold, to reduce the risk of cold shock.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Cold Exposure

For most healthy people, a cold shower can be an invigorating and safe experience. However, for individuals with cardiovascular issues, it can be extremely risky. The sudden immersion in cold water triggers a powerful physiological response known as 'cold shock'. This response causes a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure as blood vessels constrict to conserve heat and divert blood flow to the body's core. For a heart that is already under strain, this can lead to serious complications.

Heart Disease, Arrhythmias, and High Blood Pressure

Individuals with a history of heart disease, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid cold showers entirely. The stress placed on the heart by the cold shock response could potentially trigger a heart attack or an irregular heartbeat. The extreme pressure changes can overwhelm a compromised cardiovascular system, making the practice unsafe.

Circulatory and Peripheral Vascular Issues

Conditions that affect circulation make cold showers particularly hazardous. The body's natural response to cold—constricting blood vessels—can be exaggerated and problematic for people with these health concerns.

Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition where blood vessels in the fingers and toes narrow excessively in response to cold temperatures or stress. A cold shower can trigger a severe episode, leading to pain, numbness, and discoloration of the extremities. The exaggerated vasoconstriction can be painful and potentially cause tissue damage over time.

Peripheral Vascular Disease and Diabetes

People with diabetes, particularly those with peripheral vascular disease or neuropathy (nerve damage), have compromised circulation and reduced sensation in their extremities. They may not be able to feel the effects of the cold properly, increasing the risk of cold-related injury. The poor blood flow also means their body is less efficient at warming itself back up, which can lead to extended coldness or even localized frostbite.

Other Health Considerations

Beyond cardiovascular and circulatory issues, other conditions warrant caution or avoidance of cold showers.

Cold Urticaria

This is a physical allergy to cold temperatures that causes hives, itching, swelling, and in severe cases, a full-body anaphylactic reaction. For someone with this condition, a cold shower could be life-threatening.

Respiratory Conditions

For those with severe asthma or other respiratory issues, the involuntary gasping and rapid breathing caused by cold shock can trigger an asthma attack or difficulty breathing. Starting with lukewarm water and easing into colder temperatures may reduce this risk, but caution is still advised.

Weakened Immune System or Fever

If you are feeling unwell, have a fever, or a compromised immune system, it is not the time to introduce additional stressors to your body. Your body is already working hard to fight off illness, and the stress of a cold shower could hinder, not help, your recovery.

Special Circumstances

Certain life stages and situations also make cold showers unsuitable.

Pregnancy: The effects of cold showers on pregnancy are not well understood, and the sudden changes in blood pressure could pose a risk. It is best to consult a healthcare provider and choose gentler methods of cooling.
Post-Surgery or Recent Illness: Your body needs to conserve its energy for healing. Exposing it to the stress of cold water could delay recovery.
Low Body Fat: Individuals with very low body fat or eating disorders are at a higher risk of developing hypothermia from cold exposure, as they have less insulation to maintain core body temperature.
Under the Influence: Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs should never attempt cold water immersion, as it severely impairs judgment and the body's ability to regulate temperature.

A Comparison of Cold Shower Practices


Feature	Safe Cold Shower Practices (Healthy Individuals)	Unsafe Cold Exposure (High-Risk Groups)
Temperature	Gradually decrease from lukewarm to cold; avoid extreme temperatures.	Plunging directly into very cold water, especially at the maximum setting.
Duration	Short exposures, typically 30 seconds to 3 minutes; listen to your body.	Extended time in cold water without monitoring for signs of distress.
Technique	Controlled breathing, remaining calm, and exiting when uncomfortable.	Panic breathing, gasping, or ignoring feelings of lightheadedness.
Pre-existing Conditions	No cardiovascular, circulatory, or cold-sensitive conditions.	History of heart disease, high blood pressure, Raynaud's, or cold urticaria.
Warm-up	Gradual warm-up with towels and clothing; avoid immediately taking a hot shower.	Skipping a proper warm-up, which can cause sudden blood pressure shifts.

Important Safety Precautions

For those who are generally healthy and wish to try cold showers, safety is key. Gradual introduction is paramount. Never go from a hot shower to an ice-cold one, as the temperature shock is most severe. Start with lukewarm water and slowly adjust to colder temperatures, staying for only 10-15 seconds at first before increasing duration. Always listen to your body's signals; if you experience intense shivering, dizziness, or chest pain, stop immediately and warm up. Consider starting with just the last 30-90 seconds of your shower as cold to gauge your tolerance. For anyone with pre-existing conditions, a medical consultation is an essential first step before trying any form of cold therapy.

For more information on cardiovascular health, consult a reliable source such as the American Heart Association.

Conclusion: Listen to Your Body

While the benefits of cold water exposure are widely promoted, they are not universal and come with significant risks for certain populations. The cold shock response can be particularly dangerous for those with compromised cardiovascular systems, poor circulation, or specific cold-sensitive conditions. By understanding who should not do cold showers and following careful safety protocols, individuals can make informed decisions about their health. Ultimately, the best practice is to listen to your body and, when in doubt, seek professional medical advice to ensure your wellness journey is a safe one.

Frequently Asked Questions

For individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, the sudden cold can cause blood vessels to constrict and increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially triggering a heart attack or other cardiac event.

No, if you have uncontrolled or high blood pressure, cold showers are generally not recommended. The rapid change in temperature can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure due to vasoconstriction.

It is strongly advised that people with Raynaud's avoid cold showers. Cold exposure is a primary trigger for attacks, causing painful and prolonged narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities.

Pregnant women should consult their doctor before starting cold showers. The sudden temperature changes and the potential impact on blood pressure could be risky, and gentler cooling methods are usually safer.

Cold shock is the body's immediate, involuntary response to sudden cold exposure, causing hyperventilation and a rapid increase in heart rate. In a shower, this can lead to a panic response, difficulty breathing, and increased risk for those with heart or respiratory issues.

While highly unlikely from a short shower in a normal-temperature home, prolonged exposure to very cold water could lower core body temperature, especially for individuals with low body fat, putting them at risk of hypothermia.

Safer alternatives include ending a warm shower with just 15-30 seconds of cooler water, gradually decreasing the temperature, or using localized cold therapy like ice packs on specific muscles after exercise.