Can Dehydration Cause an Irregular Heartbeat | CanPharm

Your body needs water and whether you don’t have enough from the summer heat, after a night out drinking or post workout, dehydration can cause some negative symptoms. You might be surprised at how much dehydration can affect your body, especially your heart. Many wonder if there is a connection between heart conditions like irregular heartbeats and a lack of hydration. So, can dehydration cause an irregular heartbeat? 

Connection Between Dehydration and Heartbeats

Dehydration can occur to anyone, at any age, and happens when you use or lose more fluid than it takes in. This lack of water causes other parts of your body that need it to not work properly. If you don’t replace the water lost, it can lead to further dehydration. Mild to moderate dehydration can be treated with drinking more fluids but if it’s severe, medical treatment is required right away. 

When your body is low on fluids, it disrupts the balance of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which are in charge of keeping your muscles and nerves working properly. Since your heart is a muscle that relies on electrical signals to keep a steady beat, any shift in electrolyte levels can throw that rhythm off. That’s why severe dehydration can sometimes lead to arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat.

This doesn’t mean every time you’re a little thirsty, your heart is in danger. But if you’ve been sweating a lot, sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or just not drinking enough water for days, it can start to affect your heart. People with existing heart conditions or those taking certain medications are more at risk when their fluid levels drop too low.

Symptoms of Irregular Heartbeat Caused by Dehydration

Some people describe a fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest. Others feel dizzy, weak, or unusually tired. In some cases, the heartbeat may feel faster or slower than normal. If you’re dehydrated and start to feel like your heart is out of sync or if you feel faint or short of breath, it’s definitely time to pause and rehydrate, and possibly contact a healthcare provider.

The tricky part is that dehydration isn’t always overt. It can creep up slowly, especially in hot weather or during illness. By the time your heart feels affected, your fluid and electrolyte levels may already be way off. That’s why staying ahead of it with regular hydration is so important, especially if you're physically active, recovering from illness, or on medications that affect fluid balance.

Takeaway

So, does dehydration cause an irregular heartbeat? Yes, and it’s something worth paying attention to. The heart needs a steady supply of fluids and minerals to do its job properly. So if you’ve been feeling off, and you know you haven’t had enough water, that could be part of the problem. Keeping your body hydrated is one of the simplest ways to support your heart health. If symptoms persist or seem severe, don’t guess it, and be sure to check in with your doctor. Your heart will thank you for it.