Proper hydration linked to reduced heart disease risk, study finds

Scientific research indicates that proper hydration is an effective safeguard against the development of serious chronic diseases. The results of these studies were published in the prestigious journal "eBioMedicine".

Specialists from the National Institutes of Health have already established that adequate water intake has a range of health benefits.

This is particularly evident in the case of the heart. Previous studies have found that proper hydration can prevent heart failure. Dr Natalia Dmitrieva from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, who was a member of the research team, emphasised that alongside proper hydration, reducing salt intake can also lower the risk of cardiovascular problems.

In her medical study, Dr Dmitrieva examined the relationship between dehydration and heart fibrosis. The research sample was indeed large. Data was collected from 15,000 adult individuals aged 45 to 66. Participants provided information about their health status and medical history over 25 years. The focus was on individuals who consumed water in amounts consistent with recommendations.

At the beginning of the study, participants did not show the presence of diabetes, obesity, or heart failure. Out of the initial group of 15,000 people, 11,814 adults developed heart failure.

The hydration level was measured based on sodium concentration in the body, which increases as fluids decrease. Scientists suggest that this connection may be responsible for the increased risk of heart disease in insufficient water intake. Therefore, its limitations can be crucial.

The proper sodium concentration in the body ranges from 135 to 146 mmol/L. A higher risk of heart failure was identified among study participants whose sodium concentration was at least 143 mmol/L. As sodium levels increased, so did the likelihood of developing this dangerous disease. Therefore, individuals concerned about their heart should regularly monitor their sodium levels.

The authors of the studies note that further research is needed because the issue is highly complex and requires in-depth analysis. However, it appears that proper hydration is essential for our body.

The recommendations regarding water intake are clear. An adult should drink about 2 to 3 litres of water daily. This situation changes during heat or intense exercise—then proper hydration comes from drinking even 4 to 5 litres of water.