Hydration Habits Could Significantly Lower Risk of Heart Disease, New Study Suggests

Staying adequately hydrated may be more crucial for heart health than previously realized. A recent study indicates that consistent hydration can significantly decrease the risk of developing hypertension and heart failure.

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The study, conducted by researchers at Bar-Ilan University and published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, challenges conventional understanding of safe sodium levels in the blood. Researchers analyzed data collected from over 400,000 healthy adults over two decades, revealing a link between hydration and cardiovascular well-being.

The Importance of Hydration for Overall Health

Water constitutes approximately 60% of the human body. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for various bodily functions. General recommendations suggest consuming eight 8-ounce (237-mL) glasses of water daily. Adequate hydration supports brain function, aids digestion, and assists in weight management.

New Insights into Hydration and Heart Health

The groundbreaking research highlights the protective effects of water on the heart. The findings indicate that individuals with sodium levels at the higher end of the "normal" range are more susceptible to developing hypertension and heart failure, two prevalent age-related chronic conditions.

Researchers examined electronic health records from 2003 to 2023, encompassing over 407,000 healthy adults. This extensive analysis provides substantial evidence for the connection between hydration status and cardiovascular health.

Key Findings of the Study

The study revealed that sodium levels between 140–142 mmol/L, while still considered within the normal range, correlated with a 13% increased risk of hypertension. When sodium levels exceeded 143 mmol/L, the risk of hypertension rose by 29%, and the risk of heart failure increased by 20%. Notably, nearly 60% of the healthy adult population exhibited sodium levels within these risk-associated ranges.

Rethinking Sodium Levels and Hydration

Standard blood tests typically consider sodium levels within the 135–146 mmol/L range as normal. However, this study suggests that higher sodium levels, even within the conventionally accepted range, may pose a long-term cardiovascular risk.

Professor Jonathan Rabinowitz, lead author from Bar-Ilan University, emphasized the importance of hydration in chronic disease prevention. "Our findings point to hydration as a critical and overlooked part of chronic disease prevention. A simple blood test might flag people who could benefit from basic lifestyle adjustments—like drinking more water, which reduces sodium levels."

Rabinowitz further noted, "Hydration is often overlooked in chronic disease prevention. This study adds compelling evidence that staying well-hydrated may help reduce the long-term risk of serious conditions like hypertension and heart failure."