Staying Hydrated This Summer: Why It Matters More With Heart Disease

In the summer months, higher temperatures lead to more rapid loss of body fluids as part of your body’s internal cooling mechanisms. Being inside in the air-conditioning is also a dehydration concern, since cooling indoor air extracts humidity, some of which is provided by your body. 

At Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, we want to remind our cardiology patients that dehydration places additional stress on your cardiovascular system, a strain on your already-burdened heart.  

Learn to recognize the warning signs of dehydration and avoid these by maintaining your fluid levels throughout the season to reduce your risk of heat-related illness. 

Hydration and heart health

About 80% of your blood is made up of water, with the remaining 20% being solid. When you become dehydrated through fluid loss, your blood volume decreases and becomes more viscous as the solids ratio climbs. 

Both of these factors force your heart to work harder to deliver oxygen and other vital nutrients. If blood hydration falls sufficiently, you may experience symptoms like: 

• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness 
• Higher heart rates
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness

This greater strain in the cardiovascular system produces a greater risk if you’re already dealing with conditions like coronary artery disease or heart failure. 

The medication challenge

Commonly prescribed heart condition medications can make hydration matters worse. Diuretics, often prescribed for congestive heart failure, accelerate your rate of fluid loss, while some blood pressure medications can make you more dizzy in hot summer weather. 

Self-adjusting your meds will only make matters more confusing, so never alter or stop taking medications without direct instructions from a healthcare provider. Deal with low fluid levels by developing individual hydration goals and sticking to them. 

Recognize the signs of dehydration

You may be on the edge of dehydration if you notice one or more of these signs: 

• Increased thirst
• Reduced urination frequency, darker-colored urine
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness or lightheadedness without an obvious reason
• Confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fatigue

If any of these signs are severe and/or accompanied by breathing difficulties, chest pain, or fainting, treat the episode as a medical emergency. 

Hydration tips

Consider these simple methods to maintain hydration naturally: 

• Sip water throughout the day; don’t wait for thirst
• Avoid activity through the highest heat of the day
• Choose water-rich foods, including berries, citrus, cucumbers, tomatoes, and watermelon
• Dress lightly, and rest often
• Limit alcohol and sugary beverages

If you’re under fluid restrictions because of a heart condition or other illness, discuss your case with us before altering your fluid intake. 

Contact Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, online or by phone if you require advice or care to deal with your heart condition. Book your consultation today. 

We are conveniently located near Boston and proudly extend our services to communities throughout Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, and Providence counties, including Braintree, Canton, Stoughton, Westwood, Norwood, and Walpole. 

Whether you're in Foxborough, Easton, Brockton, or Abington, we're just a short drive away. We also welcome clients from West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater, and Middleborough, as well as Taunton, Norton, Mansfield, and Attleboro. 

Our reach extends to Rehoboth, Somerset, Swansea, Fall River, Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, and even further to Wareham, Plymouth, and Pembroke. Rhode Island residents in Providence, East Providence, and Warwick can also rely on our services