Did you know your heart and hydration are closely linked? Find out how water can enhance health and how many glasses of water you need each day.
Your Heart and Hydration: Why Water Is Important
Drinking a glass of refreshing water on a hot summer day feels fantastic — and it can also help enhance your long-term heart health. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an important link exists between your heart and hydration. Specifically, consistently staying hydrated on a lifelong basis is associated with a reduced risk of heart failure and an overall better quality of life.
Understanding the Cause and Effect
Your blood contains sodium, which maintains healthy blood pressure and fluid levels in the body. These levels are checked during a serum sodium test. Drinking glasses of water or other types of fluid throughout the day is an effective way to reduce the level of serum sodium in the blood. Alternately, not being properly hydrated causes sodium levels to rise. If your sodium levels remain high into middle age, your likelihood of developing heart diseases and conditions — such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) — can increase.
Is Your Heart Dehydrated?
Dehydration occurs when you deprive your body of fluids. Overall symptoms of dehydration in adults include:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Intense thirst
- Urine that is dark in color
Dehydration can also have an immediate impact on the function and sensation of your heart, causing symptoms such as:
- Chest palpitations
- Unusually low blood pressure
- Pounding heartbeat or feeling your heart beat faster
If you experience symptoms of dehydration, sipping water or drinks filled with electrolytes may be enough to address the condition. But if these simple steps are ineffective, consult your healthcare provider.
Identifying Your Ideal Intake
Recommended daily water intake can vary depending on several variables, including your height, weight, physical activity level and the temperature of your environment.
A Strategy for Success
Don't let drinking water become a chore. Instead, add some flavor to your hydration goals with a few essential tips, including:
- Fill up a water bottle in the morning and carry it throughout the day.
- Snack on fruits and vegetables with high water content (all above 90%), including celery, lettuce and watermelon.
- Squeeze a lemon or lime into your water for a refreshing addition.