Fox Cities News

A heart specialist at ThedaCare is emphasizing the importance of hydration for heart health, particularly for individuals with heart disease. Dr. Oleg Chebotarev, a cardiologist with ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care, highlighted that staying well-hydrated can aid cardiovascular health by helping the heart function more efficiently. "Drinking water can help your heart function as it should," said Dr. Chebotarev. "Put simply, staying well-hydrated means your heart doesn’t have to work as hard."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that hydration assists in regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and flushing toxins from the body. A 2022 study by the National Institutes of Health also supports the idea that proper hydration may reduce long-term risks for heart failure.

Dr. Chebotarev advised being particularly mindful of hydration during summer months due to increased heat exposure which can cause the heart to work harder. He stated, “Heat, combined with dehydration, can cause your heart to work harder.”

Water is recommended as the best option for staying hydrated because it is calorie-free and accessible. General guidelines include sipping water throughout the day and monitoring urine color as an indicator of hydration levels.

For those with congestive heart failure (CHF), it's crucial to maintain balanced fluid intake. Dr. Chebotarev cautioned against both excessive and insufficient fluid consumption due to potential health complications.

He stressed consulting a cardiologist regarding fluid intake amounts and methods for monitoring it: “Our teams are always here for you,” he said.

During hot weather conditions, additional precautions are suggested such as seeking cool spaces during peak heat times and wearing appropriate clothing. Dr. Chebotarev advised keeping prescribed medications ongoing and consulting healthcare providers about any concerns related to medication interactions with heat.