Hydration And Heart Health: Exploring The Vital Connection

Water is essential for the proper functioning of the vital body’s organs, and none is more critical than the heart. In fact, scientific research has shown that staying well hydrated is associated with a lower risk of heart failure. 

 

In this blog, we’ll explore the link between good hydration and heart health, and how ORS electrolyte tablets can support optimum fluid balance in the body.

 

The role of water in the cardiovascular system

Water is necessary for every cell, tissue and organ in the body to stay healthy. The heart is a muscle that is constantly working, pumping around 2,000 gallons of blood around the body every day. When we are depleted in fluids, the heart has to work even harder to perform effectively. This affects it in various ways:

 

Lowering blood pressure

Water is necessary to maintain optimum blood volume, which aids good circulation. When we are dehydrated, our blood volume decreases and blood pressure drops, and the heart has to work harder to circulate blood. This puts extra strain on the heart, and may even increase the risk of heart failure in vulnerable groups, such as the over 65s.

 

When blood pressure is too low, the heart beats faster in an attempt to compensate. However, when we are dehydrated, the blood retains more sodium, and this can thicken the blood and make it even harder for the circulatory system to work efficiently. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness or fainting. 

 

Reduced oxygen delivery

Good circulation is necessary to deliver the oxygen and nutrients carried in the blood to the body’s tissues and organs. When we are dehydrated, circulation slows down, resulting in a slower delivery of oxygen. This can cause a range of problems, including fatigue, muscle cramps, confusion, lightheadedness, and dry skin.

 

Electrolyte imbalance

Electrolytes are essential vitamins and minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium. When we are dehydrated, our electrolyte levels become unbalanced, and this can lead to lack of energy, irregular heartbeats, and muscle contractions. 

Electrolytes also play an essential role in the body’s ability to effectively absorb fluids, and the heart needs to be working efficiently to aid this process.

 

How electrolyte tablets can help 

We lose electrolytes through sweating, urine, and excessive vomiting or diarrhoea. As previously mentioned, the blood also retains more sodium when we are dehydrated, making it even more difficult for the rest of the body to replenish electrolyte levels. This is why people who live active lifestyles often supplement their water intake with electrolyte tablets. 

 

When we have become dehydrated, drinking water alone doesn’t quickly resolve the problem, because the body is also depleted in the electrolytes that are needed for the cells and tissues to reabsorb fluids. Therefore, it is recommended that people who sweat a lot during exercise, or are recovering from a stomach bug use rehydration supplements. 

 

The tablets contain a small low calorie amount of glucose to aid the rehydration process, but they do not contain the high amounts of sugar found in many sports drinks. This means that you will not be consuming calories that you don’t need, only the essential ingredients to rapidly optimise your fluids and electrolytes. 

 

The importance of good hydration for heart health

Proper hydration is always beneficial, whatever your age, state of health, or activity levels. Research shows that around 80 per cent of people do not meet the daily recommended level of water intake. However, because the heart is a critical organ that can be adversely affected by dehydration, certain groups should be extra vigilant. These include:

 

  • People with cardiovascular disease or heart valve abnormalities

  • People who take diuretics or certain medications to treat heart disease

  • People over the age of 65, because the risk of heart failure increases after this age

  • Athletes or those who partake in regular intense exercise sessions

  • People who are travelling in hot climates

  • People recovering from gastrointestinal illnesses

 

A healthy heart is the foundation of overall good health and wellbeing, and advice about heart health often focuses on eating a balanced diet, managing weight, and taking regular exercise. However, good hydration is an essential part of this equation, yet it is often overlooked. 

 

Monitoring water intake and supplementing it with oral rehydration salts is a convenient and effective way to support your heart and avoid putting it under excessive strain.