Many people assume that incidents such as cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction predominantly happen in winter. However, a significant number of cases actually start in summer, primarily due to individuals overlooking their body's hydration status.
Health experts warn that effective hydration is key to preventing these dangerous cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the importance of timely water intake.
One primary reason for the increased incidence of cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction in summer is dehydration. Doctor Barry Franklin, a cardiologist at William Beaumont Hospital in the US, highlighted in an article for the American Heart Association that heavy sweating during summer, combined with inadequate hydration, impairs blood flow and contributes to blood clot formation.
The risk of atherosclerosis naturally increases with age. Lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol further accelerate this process. Doctor Franklin stressed that individuals with these existing or developing conditions face a significantly elevated risk of cerebral infarction or myocardial infarction. Consequently, ensuring adequate hydration during summer is crucial for them.
To help high-risk groups actively prevent cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction, Doctor Franklin highlighted ba key aspects of dehydration that few people recognize:
Water needs time to be absorbed
Even after consuming water, the body requires approximately 20 minutes for complete absorption. Consequently, blood flow does not improve instantly. Avoid waiting until thirst sets in to drink water.
Invisible dehydration through the skin
Even without visible sweat, the body continuously loses water through imperceptible absorption and evaporation via the skin. Therefore, maintain a regular hydration habit.
Greatest dehydration risk during sleep
During sleep, the human body typically loses about 200 ml of sweat. On hot summer nights, elderly individuals who do not use air conditioning sweat more profusely. Furthermore, blood pressure often decreases during sleep, further increasing the likelihood of blood clot formation.
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Adequate hydration, achieved by sipping water frequently, dividing intake before and after sleep, and avoiding diuretic beverages, effectively protects the heart and brain. Photo: Bao Bao.
While adequate hydration effectively prevents blood clots, excessive water intake inadvertently places significant strain on the heart and kidneys. To ensure effective health protection, rehydration must adhere to bon key principles:
Drink one glass before sleep and immediately upon waking
Doctor Franklin recommends drinking one glass of water (approximately 200 ml) before bed. It is also advisable to keep a glass of water next to your bed to take a few sips after using the restroom, compensating for fluid loss during sleep. Upon waking in the morning, consume another glass of water.
Do not overlook the one liter of water equation
Typically, an adult requires approximately 40 ml of water per kg of body weight. For instance, a person weighing 50 kg would need approximately 2 liters of water daily. However, three daily meals already provide approximately one liter of water through food, meaning the pure water you need to actively supplement is the remaining one liter.
Divide water intake, sip gradually
When thirst sets in, the body has already begun to exhibit symptoms of dehydration. To maintain fluid balance and optimize water absorption, the key is to divide your total daily water intake into multiple, manageable portions.
Be wary of alcohol and caffeine
Never consider coffee or alcoholic beverages as sources of hydration. Both alcohol and caffeine possess potent diuretic effects, leading to greater fluid excretion than intake. Consuming these types of drinks in summer can, conversely, worsen dehydration.
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