Stay Hydrated: Adequate Water Intake Linked to Lower Heart Failure Risk, Study Finds

A new study suggests that adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and may even reduce the risk of heart failure. If you're not drinking enough water daily, it's time to prioritize this habit.

Research indicates that proper hydration not only benefits your skin but also significantly impacts heart health. A recent study revealed that staying well-hydrated can substantially decrease the likelihood of developing hypertension and heart failure.

The research, conducted at Bar-Ilan University, highlights the protective effects of hydration on the heart. The findings were published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

The Importance of Hydration for Overall Health

The human body is composed of approximately 60% water, emphasizing the importance of hydration for overall well-being. General recommendations suggest drinking eight 8-ounce (237-mL) glasses of water daily. Hydration supports various bodily functions, including brain function, digestive health, and weight management.

How Hydration Impacts Heart Health

Researchers have uncovered the significant role of water in heart health. Their study, which analyzed data from over 400,000 healthy adults over two decades, challenges conventional beliefs regarding safe sodium levels in the blood. The study indicated that even sodium levels within the high-normal range could signal an increased risk of hypertension and heart failure.

The study revealed that individuals with sodium levels above the 'normal' range were considerably more prone to developing hypertension and heart failure, two of the most prevalent age-related chronic diseases globally.

Key Findings of the Study

Researchers analyzed electronic health records from 2003-2023 of over 407,000 healthy adults, making it one of the most extensive and long-term analyses examining the relationship between hydration and cardiovascular health.

The study found that sodium levels of 140–142 mmol/L, although within the normal range, were associated with a 13% higher risk of hypertension. When sodium levels exceeded 143 mmol/L, the risk of hypertension increased by 29%, and the risk of heart failure rose by 20%. Notably, nearly 60% of the healthy adult population had sodium levels within these risk-associated ranges.

The Link Between Sodium Levels and Hydration

Standard blood tests typically consider sodium levels within the range of 135–146 mmol/L as normal. However, this study challenges that assumption, revealing a strong, long-term association between higher sodium levels and cardiovascular risk, even in individuals considered otherwise healthy.

Prof. Jonathan Rabinowitz, lead author from Bar-Ilan University, emphasized that "hydration is 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 added, "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."