CLAIM:
Heart attacks are common in bathrooms and can be triggered by improper bathing practices. Pouring water directly on the head is said to increase the risk, while following a specific sequence - starting from the feet, then the body, and finally the head- can help prevent such incidents.
FACT:
Scientific evidence shows that while rare cardiac events can occur during bathing, they are typically linked to factors like sudden temperature changes, underlying heart conditions, and older age—not the order in which water is poured on the body. Studies on bath-related deaths highlight risks from hot or cold exposure affecting blood pressure and heart rate. However, there is no scientific evidence that pouring water on the head first causes heart attacks or that a specific bathing sequence can prevent them.
In a viral reel posted by the Instagram handle ‘goyalsahabchandigarhwale’, which has over 4.34 lakh followers, a claim linking bathroom habits to the risk of heart attacks is gaining traction online. The video suggests that a common daily activity - bathing, could potentially trigger serious cardiac events if not done “correctly.”
According to his website, Subhash Goyal is the founder of Vardhan Ayurvedic & Herbal Medicines. In the reel, he explains that many heart attacks are believed to occur in the bathroom and attributes this to what he describes as a lack of awareness. He advises viewers not to pour water directly on their head while bathing. Instead, he suggests starting by pouring water on the feet, then gradually moving to the rest of the body, and finally the head.
He is heard saying, “There are a lot of heart attacks that occur in the bathroom itself… if you get a heart attack, then there is a lot of ignorance for this. Don't pour water directly on your head.” He further recommends a step-by-step bathing approach, adding that people should “first pour water on your feet… then your whole body… and then your head.” The reel also includes a spiritual element, where he urges viewers to take the name of God while bathing, claiming it will prevent any problems in the body.
For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH
The reel has garnered over 3.3 million views, 70.5K likes, and 2.64 lakh shares, indicating that the claim has resonated widely and sparked concern among viewers.
What research says?
Scientific evidence does not support the claim that heart attacks in bathrooms are caused by pouring water on the head first or that a specific bathing sequence can prevent them. While research does show that bath-related deaths occur, these are largely linked to age, pre-existing health conditions, and environmental factors, not the order in which water is poured.
For instance, a study examining bath-related deaths in Japan highlights that such incidents are more common among older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, and are often associated with underlying cardiovascular conditions.
The study notes that “sudden death during bathing has been reported to occur particularly during normal daily life of the elderly (≥65 years) in Japan.” It also points out that Japan, now a “super-aged society” with over 25% of its population aged 65 or older, sees a high number of cardiac events annually, with “over 120,000 cardiac arrests in prehospital settings… approximately three-quarters… in the elderly population.”
Importantly, the research adds that “accidental [out-of-hospital cardiac arrest] during bathing has increased and these increased numbers of deaths are mainly in the elderly population,” with bath-related fatalities even surpassing traffic-related deaths in some cases. However, these findings are tied to demographic and health factors , not bathing technique.
Medical evidence also suggests that sudden exposure to very hot or very cold water can put stress on the cardiovascular system, leading to rapid changes in heart rate and blood pressure, particularly in people with existing heart conditions.
Similarly, research highlighted by Harvard Health points to the “cold shock” response—where abrupt cold exposure can affect heart rhythm, but does not link this risk to the order in which water is poured on the body.
In fact, some studies suggest that regular warm bathing may even have cardiovascular benefits, challenging the idea that bathing itself is inherently dangerous.
What really causes a heart attack during bathing?
Dr Sanjay Bhat, Senior Consultant in Interventional Cardiology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, said there is no scientific basis for the claim that bathing sequence can trigger or prevent heart attacks. “There is no clear medical basis that indicates that pouring water over your head first in a bath can lead to heart attacks… the notion that starting from the bottom up will protect you is also scientifically baseless,” he said.
However, he noted that sudden exposure to cold water can trigger what is known as the cold shock response, which may temporarily affect heart rate and blood pressure. “This could potentially strain the heart in some instances if the individual already suffers from heart-related complications,” he added, while emphasising that “the manner in which one pours water over themselves in a bath is unlikely to make any significant difference.”
Dr Bhat further highlighted that the real risk factors for cardiac events during bathing include sudden temperature changes, older age, and pre-existing heart disease. He explained that “very hot water can cause blood vessels to dilate and lower blood pressure, while cold water can lead to a spike in heart rate and blood pressure - both of which can put stress on the cardiovascular system. These risks are particularly relevant for individuals with conditions such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, or heart failure.”
He also cautioned that “risk may increase in certain situations, such as bathing alone, using extremely hot or cold water, or if a person is already feeling dizzy or weak at the time.”
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS