The health risks of dehydration are serious and can have dangerous health implications! It occurs when the body does not have enough fluids and electrolytes, which are essential for normal bodily functions.
Dehydration can cause numerous health risks including hypertension, blood clots/stroke, and coronary heart disease (CHD).
In today’s post, we will discuss how dehydration affects these diseases — as well as how to recognize signs of dehydration, and tips for staying hydrated.
Quick Links → Hypertension | Stroke | CHD | Cholesterol | Tips | Signs
Health Risks of Dehydration
Dehydration causes the body to not have enough fluids or electrolytes, which are needed for normal bodily function.
1. Dehydration & Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is commonly caused by dehydration. Dehydration causes the body to produce more of a hormone called angiotensin II, which can increase blood pressure. This lack of proper hydration also decreases the amount of nitric oxide in the body, causing constriction of the arteries which can lead to hypertension.
High levels of ADH, and consequent changes to blood pressure and the health of blood vessels that take place over time, appear to be the cause of the risk of hypertension associated with dehydration.
This increase in ADH leads to constriction of blood vessels which results in an increase in blood pressure.
It can also cause sodium and other electrolyte levels to drop, making it even more difficult for the body to regulate its own pH levels and leading to further hypertension.
Dehydration should be addressed quickly so that these symptoms do not cause long-term damage.
2. Dehydration & Risk of Clotting
Blood clotting, also known as coagulation, is an important part of the body’s natural healing process. It is a process that helps to stop bleeding when a blood vessel is injured.
Blood clotting is an important part of the body’s natural healing process. We need our blood to clot in order to prevent excessive bleeding.
Clotting helps to stop bleeding when a blood vessel is injured, by forming a clot that seals off the wound. However, if the clot becomes too large, it can block an artery and cause a serious health issue such as stroke or heart attack.
Blood clots are caused by dehydration when the body does not get enough fluids or electrolytes and it is unable to form new red blood cells quickly enough.
Dehydration may also cause an imbalance between certain proteins in the blood, making it easier for clots to form.
3. Dehydration & Risk of Stroke
Dehydration can increase the risk of stroke by causing constriction of the arteries, and reducing oxygen flow to vital organs, like the brain. Dehydration increases an amino acid called homocysteine, which is linked to stroke.
A stroke can be caused by a clot blocking an artery in the brain, or by a weakened vessel bursting and spilling blood into the brain.
Dehydration can make an individual more susceptible to developing a stroke, as dehydration causes the body’s blood vessels to become more rigid and narrow, making it harder for blood to pass through.
Homocysteine
The amino acid homocysteine is a naturally occurring compound in the body that plays an important role in metabolic processes such as protein synthesis, but in high levels can increase the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
Dehydration increases the homocysteine levels, making it harder for the body to regulate its pH levels and increasing the risk of stroke.
Dehydration can also cause the body to release more of a hormone called norepinephrine, which increases blood pressure and can lead to stroke.
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is a hormone that has many important functions and can have both beneficial and harmful effects.
The hormone is released by the body in response to dehydration releasing higher amounts of norepinephrine. This can lead to higher blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Dehydration can also cause electrolyte imbalances, which makes it more difficult for the body to regulate its own pH levels, and this can lead to coronary heart disease.
This makes it harder for the body to regulate its own pH levels, making it easier for calcium, cholesterol and other substances to build up in the arteries.
pH Levels
Our body needs fluids and electrolytes to work correctly. Dehydration happens when we don’t have enough fluids or electrolytes. When this happens, our body’s pH level can change and it can be harder for us to stay healthy.
This can then cause the arteries to become blocked or narrowed, leading to coronary heart disease.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are a type of cholesterol found in the blood and are known as “bad” cholesterol. Dehydration causes the body to produce more LDL, which can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
4. Dehydration & Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
Dehydration has been identified as one of the primary risk factors for Coronary heart disease (CHD). It can occur when the body does not get enough fluids or electrolytes and it is unable to pump blood efficiently.
What happens is that dehydration also reduces nitric oxide production, which causes constriction of the arteries and increased risk for coronary heart disease.
It also causes an increase in ADH, which can lead to an increase in the levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, both of which are known to contribute to coronary heart disease.
5. Dehydration & Cholesterol Levels
Dehydration can cause an imbalance in the body’s hormones, which can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels of HDL and LDL. Dehydration reduces the amount of nitric oxide in the body, which reduces blood flow and can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a type of lipoprotein found in the blood. It helps transport fats and cholesterol in the body, and it is considered to be “good” cholesterol because it helps reduce levels of bad cholesterol.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are a type of cholesterol found in the blood and are known as “bad” cholesterol. Dehydration causes the body to produce more LDL, which can increase the risk of coronary heart.
Avoiding the Health Risks of Dehydration
Tips to Stay Hydrated
It’s important to stay hydrated in order to reduce your risk for hypertension, blood clots, stroke and coronary heart disease. Here are some tips to stay hydrated:
- Drink your recommended amount of water a day (See recommendations)
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which contain natural sources of electrolytes
- Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks like soda, as these can increase dehydration
- If you’re exercising, drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your workout
Recognize Signs of Dehydration
It’s crucial to recognize the signs of dehydration in order to treat it quickly. Here are some common signs of dehydration:
- Dry mouth and lips
- Dark yellow urine
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, and be sure to get medical attention if necessary.
How to know when you need to drink water
It’s important to pay attention to your body in order to identify when you need more fluids. Signs that your body may be dehydrated include:
- Feeling thirsty
- Dry skin or chapped lips
- Feeling tired or sluggish
- Btw, drinking alcohol dehydrates us
If you experience any of these signs, it is important to drink plenty of fluids.
Additionally, be aware of activities like exercise and spending time in the sun which can cause dehydration; make sure to stay hydrated before and after these activities.
It’s important to recognize the signs of dehydration in order to treat it quickly and stay hydrated to reduce your risk for these diseases.
Sources: Healthline, National Institute on Health
Health Risks of Dehydration Quick FAQ
Q: What is dehydration?
A: Dehydration is a condition caused by the body not getting enough fluids or electrolytes needed for normal functioning. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues like hypertension, blood clots, stroke and coronary heart disease.
Q: What are the signs of dehydration?
A: Signs of dehydration include dry mouth and lips, dark yellow urine, headache, fatigue, dizziness and muscle cramps.
Q: How can I prevent dehydration?
A: Dehydration can be prevented by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks, and drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise.
Q: What should I do if I experience dehydration?
A: If you experience dehydration, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and seek medical attention if necessary. It is also important to pay attention to your body, and recognize the signs of dehydration in order to treat it quickly. Additionally, avoid activities that can cause dehydration, and be sure to stay hydrated before and after these activities.