European Heart Journal

Heart failure is a chronic disease that occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs

"Similar to reducing salt intake, drinking enough water and staying hydrated is a way to support the heart and may help reduce long-term risk of heart disease,

After conducting preclinical studies showing a link between dehydration and myocardial fibrosis (hardening of the heart muscle), Dmitrieva and the researchers looked for a similar association in a large population study

In selecting participants for the retrospective study, the scientists focused on those whose hydration levels were within the normal range and who did not have diabetes, obesity or heart failure at the start of the study

To assess the potential link to hydration, the research team assessed participants' hydration status using several clinical methods

For example, adults with serum sodium levels of 143 milliequivalents per liter (normal range of 135-146 milliequivalents) in middle age had a 39% increased risk of heart failure compared with adults with lower sodium levels

In a group of approximately 5,000 adults aged 70-90, those with serum sodium levels of 142.

Based on these data, the authors concluded that serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L in midlife were associated with an increased risk of developing left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure later in life

A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these initial findings, the researchers said

"In clinical examinations, serum sodium and fluid intake can be easily assessed and help physicians determine which patients may benefit from learning how to stay hydrated," said Manfred Boehm, MD, head of the Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine Laboratory

Fluids are essential for a range of bodily functions, including helping the heart pump blood efficiently, supporting blood vessel function and coordinating circulation

Dmitrieva NI, Liu D, Wu CO, Boehm M.

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