Why does sitting in a steam room cause one’s heart rate to increase?

Question

I was sitting in a steam room and noticed my smart watch indicate a sharp rise in my heart rate to coincide with time spent in the steam room. What causes this rise in heart rate, is it the heat and dilation of the vascular system?

In: 7

Answer 1

I have anxiety and I calm my racing heart with heat, a sauna would be so relaxing lol. Being cold causes my heart rate to increase and my chest to tighten, anything below 70° is freezing