The Vital Link Between Hydration and Coronary Artery Disease

According to the CDC, Coronary Artery Disease affects 20 million adults or 7% of the adult US population. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with coronary artery disease (or CAD), it can be frightening to consider the long-term health impacts. We’re here to arm you with knowledge related to the importance of hydration in managing CAD and to make the necessary changes to improve the quality of your life.  

How Is Hydration Connected to Coronary Artery Disease? 

1. Blood Viscosity and Flow

   Dehydration increases blood viscosity, making it tougher for the heart to pump blood, which in turn increases the risk of plaque rupture or thrombosis. Optimal hydration helps maintain the right level of blood viscosity, which ensures that blood flow throughout the body is smooth. This reduces the strain on the heart and thereby lessens the risks associated with CAD.  

2. Electrolyte Balance

   Adequate hydration is critical for supporting proper levels of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium in the body. Electrolyte levels are closely linked to maintaining normal heart and muscle functioning. An imbalance in electrolytes has been linked to arrhythmias and other heart-related complications. 

3. Blood Pressure

   Dehydration can lead to constriction of arteries, increasing blood pressure levels. This is a significant risk factor for people with CAD as it can result in plaque build-up and lead to arterial damage. Keeping your body optimally hydrated helps maintain blood pressure levels within the normal range and aids in the efficient working of the heart.

4. Inflammation and endothelial health

   Dehydration can lead to inflammation of the endothelial lining of blood vessels. Impaired endothelial functioning can lead to atherosclerosis, one of the leading causes of CAD.   

How can a smart water bottle help those with CAD? 

Optimal hydration plays a key role in improving blood flow, reducing the strain on the heart, and supporting overall heart health. Smart hydration systems such as HidrateSpark are built with a host of features that help you meet your fluid intake target and achieve your health goals.  

1. Customizing water intake goals - The HidrateSpark app allows you to set a personalized hydration goal, which you can decide in consultation with your physician and based on your unique hydration needs. The app can also calculate a goal based on height, weight, activity levels, and other parameters.
2. Create a schedule - No matter how committed you are, life can get in between you and your health goals, which is why the HidrateSpark app allows you to custom-build a hydration schedule. With regular reminders, it takes the mental load off so that you can go about meeting the demands of your day while still achieving your hydration goals.
3. Advanced tracking system - HidrateSpark’s state-of-the-art SipSense technology eliminates the hassle of inputting data while still precisely measuring your water intake. This is particularly useful when there are restrictions on the amount of fluids you need to consume due to other health conditions.
4. Keep track of your progress - Sync your hydration intake data to your health apps, such as Fitbit, Apple Watch, Google Fit, and other popular health apps, so that you can analyze your daily, weekly, and monthly hydration goals and course correct if needed.  

Lifestyle changes that can help manage CAD 

Along with optimal hydration, one can make other lifestyle changes to help improve their quality of life with CAD. 

• Switch to a heart-healthy diet - Make the transition to a diet that is low in saturated fats while high in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Get moving - Incorporate moderate exercise into your everyday routine.
• Stay away from smoking - Tobacco usage and secondhand smoke are directly linked to a higher risk of CAD.
• Stress management - Reduce stress levels with meditation, or learning a new hobby.

Find out how HidrateSpark can be your trusted companion on your path to healthy living. Explore the features and find one that’s right for you!