How Dehydration Can Impact Heart Rhythms
Most people know dehydration can cause fatigue or headaches, but did you know it can also affect your heart? With or without a known heart condition, dehydration can impact the way the heart functions, especially its rhythm.
At the Heart Rhythm Institute, we understand how essential hydration is to maintaining a healthy heart. Here’s how dehydration affects heart rhythm and what you need to watch for.
The role of hydration in heart health
Your body depends on fluids to keep everything working smoothly. That includes your heart, which relies on a balance of water and electrolytes to maintain a steady rhythm. When you’re dehydrated, that balance is disrupted. Blood volume drops, which means your heart must work harder to pump oxygen and nutrients through the body. At the same time, an electrolyte imbalance can interfere with the electrical signals that regulate your heartbeat.
Electrolyte imbalance and heart rhythm
Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium play a key role in the electrical impulses that keep your heart beating. When you become dehydrated, those electrolyte levels can shift quickly. Even mild dehydration may lead to imbalances that affect your heart’s rhythm.
Low potassium or magnesium levels can cause symptoms like palpitations, skipped beats, or rapid heart rate. In some cases, these imbalances may trigger arrhythmias, particularly in people who are already prone to them.
Dehydration and existing heart rhythm conditions
If you have a heart rhythm disorder, dehydration can increase the risk of symptoms or episodes. Conditions like atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), or other arrhythmias may become more frequent or severe when the body is dehydrated. That’s because the heart is more vulnerable to irregular electrical activity when it’s under stress, and dehydration is a form of stress on the body.
Medications for arrhythmias or blood pressure can also influence fluid and electrolyte levels. In some cases, diuretics (water pills) may increase the risk of dehydration if fluid intake isn’t carefully managed.
What about people without a heart condition?
Even if you’ve never been diagnosed with a heart rhythm issue, it’s still important to stay hydrated. While the average healthy person is less likely to experience a dangerous arrhythmia from dehydration alone, they may still notice symptoms like lightheadedness, a racing heart, or fatigue. These are symptoms that the heart is working harder than it should and that the body needs water and electrolytes to function properly.
Severe dehydration can lead to serious cardiovascular stress, particularly during physical activity or heat exposure. In rare cases, this can result in rhythm disturbances even in healthy individuals.
Simple steps to stay hydrated
Staying well-hydrated is one of the easiest ways to support your heart rhythm. Here are a few quick tips:
• Drink water regularly throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty.
• Be mindful of hydration needs in hot weather or during exercise.
• If you’re taking medications that affect fluid balance, follow your doctor’s advice on hydration.
• Include electrolyte-rich foods like bananas, leafy greens, and yogurt, or use electrolyte drinks when needed, especially if you’ve been sweating or ill.
Talk to a specialist if you have concerns
If you’ve experienced heart palpitations, dizziness, or episodes that seem to be triggered by dehydration, it’s worth having a conversation with a specialist. The Heart Rhythm Institute at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital is here to help you understand your symptoms and support your heart health.
Whether you have a diagnosed heart rhythm condition or just want to stay proactive, our team is here to guide you. Schedule a consultation with one of our electrophysiologists to learn more.