Is a lack of fluids a factor in high blood pressure? What you must be aware of.

 

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) worries that Americans aren't managing cases of high blood pressure well enough.

The government warns that having high blood pressure increases your risk of developing other health issues like heart disease, a heart attack, and a stroke. Despite this warning, the government claims that people aren't doing everything they can to control high blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension, which is causing almost a million Americans to die from heart disease and stroke each year. 

Improved hydration is at the top of the list of the many other tried-and-true strategies for controlling blood pressure issues. 

How quickly can water drop blood pressure?

Even while it doesn't immediately lower hypertension, drinking water can have an impact. Water makes up over 73% of the human heart, so maintaining hydration is crucial for controlling blood pressure. Dehydration has also been linked to higher-than-normal sodium levels in the blood, and salt boosts blood pressure.

Additionally, a 2019 study revealed that consuming mineral-enriched water may help lower blood pressure. The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Does consuming more water cause blood pressure to rise?

However, controlling blood pressure doesn't just mean preventing very high levels. According to Shaline Rao, MD, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Hospital on Long Island, "all our organs depend on good blood flow." Similar to Goldilocks and the three bears, our blood pressure should be exactly right—not too high or low.

This is due to the fact that hypotension, often known as low blood pressure, is problematic. John Whyte, MD, the Chief Medical Officer of WebMD and author of "Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk," explains that "blood pressure is related to blood volume." According to Whyte, when someone is dehydrated, their blood volume falls, which lowers their blood pressure. As a result, their heart rate must rise in order to pump more blood to their organs.

Additionally, because blood contains roughly 90% water, Rao adds that "if you do not have enough water, your blood volume is not adequate to do the job needed of feeding your body." Among other effects, this may cause you to feel lightheaded or faint. 

The good news is that studies have shown that those who experience low blood pressure can raise it (and lessen vertigo symptoms!) by just drinking more water. Malissa Wood, MD, the associate chief of cardiology for diversity and health equity at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains that a dip in blood pressure can be managed by drinking the recommended amounts of water and adhering to the directions on blood pressure drugs. 

How much water should someone with high blood pressure consume?

How much water should you therefore consume daily? The CDC issues a warning that many individuals aren't drinking enough water and offers various recommendations to enhance consumption. These include always keeping a cup or bottle of water on available, selecting water over sugary beverages and soda, and using water to wash food down after meals.

Additionally, it's crucial to remember to stay hydrated while the temperature rises because sweating causes you to lose more water than usual. According to M. Scott Dawson, MD, a cardiologist at Inspira Medical Group Cardiology, "as we move into the warmer months, it is especially important for people with low blood pressure to limit alcohol and caffeine consumption and to drink more water." 

Rao says, "For people with healthy hearts and kidneys, a suitable amount of fluid can be 2.5 to 3.5 litres a day, although this is customised to the individual based on risks. Find out from your supplier what the finest guidelines are for you to follow. 

Note The information mentioned here is obtained from online resources and is for information purpose only.