KAATSU for Cardiac Health
A clear overview of key considerations and protocols for using KAATSU safely and responsibly in individuals with cardiac conditions.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
A FOUNDATION IN CARDIAC RESEARCH
Between 2004 and 2014, KAATSU inventor Dr. Yoshiaki Sato began groundbreaking work at the University of Tokyo Hospital’s 22nd Century Medical Center Project. Over a 10-year period, their Division of Ischemia and Circulatory Physiology worked with over 12,000 patients—including more than 2,000 undergoing cardiac rehabilitation—to study the effects of KAATSU on various medical disorders.
Their research concluded that KAATSU was both safe and effective for a wide variety of people, including older individuals in cardiac rehab programs. A primary benefit identified by the cardiologists was the strengthening and increased elasticity of vascular tissue, which led to the creation of new capillaries and a foundational return of strength for their patients.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
If you have any of the following conditions, you must first consult with and get approval from your cardiologist before using KAATSU:
- Cancer
- A pacemaker
- Any form of heart disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- A recent acute myocardial infarction
- Unstable angina, ventricular tachycardia, or severe arrhythmia
- A serious case of cardiac insufficiency (NYHA class IV)
- Serious aortic stenosis
- An acute pulmonary embolism or lung infarction
- Acute myocarditis or pericarditis
- Acute vena cava dissociation
- Macular degeneration
- Hypertension
RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS
Individuals with cardiac issues or those undergoing cardiac rehabilitation can use KAATSU, but only after confirming its use with their cardiologist.
- Only the KAATSU Cycle mode should be used.
- Always begin in the LOW Pressure setting.
- The KAATSU Constant mode should always be avoided.
- Initial sessions should be performed while seated and relaxed. Over time, light exercise and movement can be incorporated.
- Always apply the KAATSU AirBands to your arms first, followed by a separate session for your legs.
PROTOCOLS FOR CARDIAC HEALTH
These protocols are designed for safety and efficacy. Always be well-hydrated before and during your KAATSU session.
- Mode & Setting: Only use the KAATSU Cycle mode in the LOW Pressure setting, either while seated or lying down.
- Capillary Refill Time: Ensure your Capillary Refill Time is quick (2 seconds or less) and your skin has a healthy pink or rosy color (not red, purple, white, or blue).
- Movement: Focus on simple, comfortable movements. Gentle stretching is strongly encouraged, while vigorous or intense exercise must be avoided.
- KAATSU 3-Point Exercises: These were developed specifically for cardiac rehabilitation patients.
- Arms: Hand Clenches + Bicep Curls + Tricep Extensions
- Legs (Standard Seated): Toe Curls + Toe Raises + Heel Raises
- Legs (Advanced Standing): Heel Raises + Leg Curls + Non-lock Quarter Squats - Standard Cardiac Rehab Exercises: KAATSU can be used while performing exercises on a stationary bicycle, walking on a treadmill, or using other standard resistance equipment appropriate for cardiac rehab.
RELEVANT LITERATURE AND STUDIES
The following studies explore the use of KAATSU for individuals with cardiac considerations:
- Hemodynamic and Hormonal Responses to a Short-Term Low-Intensity Resistance Exercise with the KAATSU. SUMMARY: This study concludes that short-term low-intensity resistance exercise combined with KAATSU significantly stimulates the release of growth hormone, IGF-1, and VEGF while reducing cardiac preload, making it a potentially unique and safe rehabilitation method for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Responses to Walking With and Without Leg Blood Flow Reduction SUMMARY: This study investigates the hemodynamic responses to walking with leg blood flow reduction (BFR), finding that while BFR increases heart rate and oxygen uptake to compensate for reduced stroke volume, the specific low-intensity protocol tested was insufficient to reach the intensity threshold required for improving cardiovascular fitness.
The foundational research conducted by cardiologists at the University of Tokyo Hospital is summarized in the 22nd Century Medical Center Report and Chapter 7 of the KAATSU Training: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives (KAATSU Training and the cardiac and circulatory system) books.
Relevant sections include:
- Page 73: Effects of Low-Load, Elastic Band Resistance Training Combined With BFR on Muscle Size and Arterial Stiffness...
- Page 131: Effects of low-intensity KAATSU resistance training on skeletal muscle size/strength...in patients with ischemic heart disease.
- Page 258: Muscle size and arterial stiffness after blood flow-restricted low-intensity resistance training in older adults.
COMMITMENT TO SAFE AND STUDIOUS APPLICATION
The KAATSU Cycle modality can be widely and effectively used in athletic training, rehabilitation, nursing care, and clinical medicine, including cardiac rehabilitation. However, it is essential that the information about the protocols, mechanisms, and applications that were carefully tested in Japan is followed studiously to ensure both safety and the best possible outcomes. Please reach out to the KAATSU team directly if you have further questions about KAATSU and cardiac health.
