Dehydration has serious effects on the body. People who do not drink enough water are at risk for fatigue, skin disorders, digestive problems, and joint pains. A recent research, however, revealed that dehydration’s effects might even affect the severity of a stroke.

1. Clean & Clear
Contact Number: 1300 73 3853
E-mail: office@cleanandclearwater.com.au
Dehydration:
A Risk Factor for Serious
Stroke Effects

2. Clean & Clear
Contact Number: 1300 73 3853
E-mail: office@cleanandclearwater.com.au
Dehydration has serious effects on the
body. People who do not drink enough
water are at risk for fatigue, skin
disorders, digestive problems, and
joint pains. A recent research,
however, revealed that dehydration’s
effects might even affect the severity
of a stroke.
Researchers believed that people who
lack hydration at the time of stroke are
about four times more prone to
experience greater damage than those who drink enough water.
Lack of Water, Worse Stroke Effects
The research team gathered data from 170 patients who suffered clot-
related or ischemic strokes over a nine-month period. They conducted two
examinations for hydration levels and determined that 44% of the
participants were dehydrated.
Using MRI scans, the proponents of the study
evaluated the brain damage from the stroke. They
considered possible effects of other factors, like
age, lesion volume and amount of blood sugar.
After assessing data, they found that dehydration
still played a major role in the worsening of stroke
effects.
Dehydration May Cause Thickened
Blood
The researchers hypothesised that
stroke effects may be more serious
among dehydrated patients because
the blood is thicker than in patients
who are well hydrated. The thickening
affects blood flow to the brain through
the constricted or clogged blood
vessels.

3. Clean & Clear
Contact Number: 1300 73 3853
E-mail: office@cleanandclearwater.com.au
Experts note that dehydration is more
common in older adults than younger
folks, primarily because of the reduced
sense of thirst. Seniors may not
immediately feel the need to drink,
when in fact, the body already needs
hydration. Living environments of
seniors must then provide accessible,
filtered water to accommodate the
needs of older adults. Water filters are
an essential tool in senior-friendly
homes and aged-care facilities.
A Cheap, Accessible Solution?
The simple solution of hydrating
stroke patients is still subject to
further study. Current hospital
procedures promote caution when
giving fluids during or
immediately after a stroke
because patients may develop
heart problems. What the
researchers note about the study
is the possibility of a low-cost and
accessible treatment.
Dehydration may lead to serious consequences. Proper hydration is
important to improve health and decrease the risk of grave stroke effects.
RESOURCES:
http://www.cleanandclearwater.com.au
http://eprints.qut.edu.au/16635/1/Angela_Vivanti_Thesis.pdf
http://www.medicaldaily.com/pulse/lack-drinking-water-deteriorates-
human-body-adverse-effectsdehydration-329640