New study links hydration to reduced heart failure risk

Researchers consistently confirm that proper hydration is crucial in preventing severe chronic diseases. The latest research on this topic has been published in "eBioMedicine."

Specialists from the National Institutes of Health have previously demonstrated that adequate water in the diet brings numerous health benefits. Prior studies have shown that it can help prevent heart failure.

Dr. Natalia Dmitrieva from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, who led the research, noted that proper hydration and reduced salt intake significantly reduce the risk of heart issues. The list of benefits of regular hydration is indeed quite long.

In the latest experiment, Dr. Dmitrieva investigated the relationship between dehydration and myocardial fibrosis. To this end, a suitable research group was established. As part of this study, scientists analyzed data from 15,000 adults aged 45 to 66.

Participants provided information about their health status and medical visits over the past 25 years. This group selected individuals whose hydration levels were within normal water intake ranges.

Scientists made an initial selection quickly. At the beginning of the study, individuals with diabetes, obesity, and heart failure were excluded. Eventually, the focus was on 11,814 adults who were later found to develop heart failure.

Hydration was assessed based on sodium levels in the body, which increase when fluid levels decrease. Increased sodium levels may indicate an increased risk of heart disease due to insufficient water intake.

The results were exciting. The average sodium concentration is 135-146 mmol/l, but a higher risk of heart failure was noticed in participants with levels starting from 143 mmol/l. Higher sodium concentration correlated with an increased likelihood of developing this disease.

This is not the end of the researchers' work on this issue. Scientists emphasize that the matter requires further studies because it is complex and necessitates more detailed analysis.

It is worth mentioning that besides reducing the likelihood of heart issues, an adequate amount of water also affects the quality of our skin. Preventing dehydration is also essential in diseases where one of the symptoms is fever.