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Dehydration thickens blood, increasing heart attack risk.
A shocking incident at a hospital has come to light after a 32-year-old CEO was rushed to the emergency room after suffering a heart attack. But what was surprising was that the man was a fit marathon runner with no prior medical conditions. But his bloodwork revealed a significantly elevated haemoglobin level of 18 g/dL, well above the upper limit of 17.2 g/dL. This means his blood was dangerously thick due to severe dehydration.
This stickiness had clogged his arteries, triggering the heart attack. As per the Indian Express, doctors were able to dissolve the clots using blood thinners, and the CEO avoided the need for a stent. He was immediately put on intravenous hydration to restore his fluid balance, which successfully brought his haemoglobin levels back to a normal 13 g/dL.
How Does Dehydration Lead To Clotting?
Dehydration can increase the risk of blood clot formation by thickening the blood, reducing blood flow, and potentially activating the coagulation cascade. With less volume and a higher sodium content, blood thickens, and it doesn’t flow as easily as it does when you drink plenty of water. This forces the heart to work harder, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. These thickened blood vessels then block arteries, restricting the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart and leading to a heart attack.
Essential electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, crucial for heart function, can also be disrupted by dehydration. If you are dehydrated, your body can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol, further elevating heart rate and blood pressure.
How Do You Know You Are Dehydrated?
The body provides clear signals of dehydration. The simplest way to check is to watch your urine colour. Dark urine signifies severe dehydration and might cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue. If you notice your urine turns yellow, start drinking water till it turns a pale straw. Also, make sure that you pee at least 1 to 1.5 litres per day. Less than this means you need to consume more fluids.
For those who engage in rigorous workouts, make sure you consume approximately 1.5 times the amount of fluid lost through sweat during and after the activity. If you sweat heavily, you may need to drink a bit extra water. It’s recommended to spread this fluid intake throughout the day rather than sipping it all at once, allowing your body to absorb it efficiently. Opt for plain water, sports drinks, juices, or even hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables with high water content to meet your needs.
Delhi, India, India
