A heart specialist with ThedaCare is encouraging people to stay hydrated. It may help support heart health, especially among those with heart disease, he said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, staying well-hydrated offers several benefits, ranging from assisting in the regulation of body temperature and lubrication of the body’s joints, to flushing toxins from the body.
“Adequate hydration may also benefit your cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Oleg Chebotarev, a Cardiologist with ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care. “Drinking water can help your heart function as it should. It can help your body more easily pump blood through your system. Put simply, staying well-hydrated means your heart doesn’t have to work as hard.”
A 2022 National Institutes of Health study supports that notion. It found that proper hydration may help reduce long-term risks for heart failure.
During the summer months, it’s important to remain even more mindful of staying hydrated, Dr. Chebotarev said.
“Heat, combined with dehydration, can cause your heart to work harder,” he said. “As the heart pumps more blood, it may put the organs under more stress.”
Water is Best
The best choice for efforts to stay hydrated is water, Dr. Chebotarev said. “It’s calorie-free, easily accessible and can keep you hydrated all day long.”
He offered general guidelines for staying hydrated:
- Sip water throughout the day.
- Monitor urine color. Urine will be mostly pale and clear if a person is well-hydrated. Darker-colored urine may indicate a person needs to drink more fluids.
- While exercising, water is generally the best fluid for hydration. Sustained, vigorous exercise in hot weather, may require a sports drink with electrolytes. If so, be mindful of sugar content and calories.
- A person can also get water through food, especially fruits and veggies. High-water-content choices include cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, celery, lettuce and watermelon.
- If water is too plain, try adding a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber. Unsweetened sparkling water offers another option.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol. Both may increase urine output and cause the loss of fluids.
Congestive Heart Failure Concerns
It is important for those with congestive heart failure (CHF) to stay hydrated, Dr. Chebotarev said. At the same time, people with CHF are encouraged to monitor and limit their fluid intake.
Taking in too much fluid may lead to a buildup that causes shortness of breath and swelling, Dr. Chebotarev cautioned. Conversely, taking in too little can cause dehydration and kidney harm, among other serious problems.
“When monitoring fluid intake, remember that fluids include beverages such as water, soda, tea, coffee and milk, as well as ice cream, soup, sherbet, popsicles and gelatin,” Dr. Chebotarev said. “We like to remind people that if it wiggles, jiggles or melts at room temperature, it’s a fluid.”
People with CHF should talk to their cardiologist about the amount of fluid they should take in and how to monitor their intake, Dr. Chebotarev advised.
“Our teams are always here for you,” he said. “If you have a question about hydration or any other concern, reach out to your cardiovascular care team.”
It’s particularly important to stay hydrated and safe during periods of hot weather, Dr. Chebotarev said. He offered general guidelines for keeping keep safe in extremely hot weather.
- Stay hydrated but talk to a health care provider about how to do so safely, especially if diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
- Watch for air quality alerts. Poor air quality adversely impacts people with heart disease and may put additional stress on their hearts amidst hot weather.
- Pay attention to heat index warnings and adjust activities accordingly.
- Seek cool spaces during the hottest part of the day.
- Move outdoor workouts to the early morning or evening hours, when temperatures are cooler.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Avoid sunburn by using sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.
“Keep taking prescribed heart medications,” Dr. Chebotarev said. “Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about how your medications might interact with heat.”
Dr. Chebotarev encouraged people to consult with a health care provider and start a heart health conversation to better ensure their long-term cardiovascular health. For more information, visit ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care.
