Can Drinking Chilled Water give You a Heart Attack?

Cardiology | by Dr. Ashok B Malpani | Published on 24/05/2024

Without water, life cannot exist, and its benefits are widely known. That being said, there are countless myths and false convictions about the water temperature and how we drink water, specifically about the possible hazards of chilled water. Heart attack is one of the wide misconceptions of drinking chilled water. One must know that a heart attack is a condition that occurs due to the inability to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body causing symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, etc. 

If you experience these symptoms and don’t know what to do next, book your appointment with one of the best cardiologists in Kolkata at BM Birla Heart Research Hospital. 

 To break this myth, we will explore its origin in this blog by assessing the physiological implications of drinking water at different temperatures and offering factual suggestions for the safe consumption of water.

Please note that this blog is for informational purposes and does not replace the relevance of a doctor’s consultation. 

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack is a condition that affects the heart by obstructing its natural ability to pump oxygen-rich blood. Plaques are among the most frequent causes of this. It is a fatty substance that gradually builds up in the arteries and is composed of harmful fat and cholesterol particles. Plaque buildup obstructs the arteries, which makes blood flow abnormal. The plaque may occasionally burst, generating clots that have the potential to stop blood flow.As this happens, the heart muscles tend to die, resulting in a heart attack

Is drinking cold water bad for your heart?

Chilled water ingestion might affect the heart among other body parts. Let’s have a look at some of the important things to consider before consuming cold water: 

• Vagal Response: Cold water ingestion might stimulate the vagus nerve extending from the brain to the stomach and controls involuntarily body processes, including heart rate. This nerve stimulation causes a reduction in the heart rate hence leading to a condition called bradycardia.
• Vasoconstriction: Also known as the blood vessel constrictions caused by cold water, can increase blood pressure instantly. However, it is not very concerning for healthy people, but individuals with cardiovascular risks should worry a little. 
• Thermoregulatory and Metabolic Effects: Drinking chilled water can push the body to utilise energy to keep its temperature steady indirectly increasing the heart rate and having a stimulating effect on metabolic rate. 

What is the role of temperature role in water consumption?

• Warm Water: Warm water absorbs faster than cold water as it matches the core temperature of the body facilitating improved circulation and digestion.

• Cold Water: Cold water on the other hand takes more time to absorb as the body has to warm it as per the body temperature. The water temperature has the lowest effect on the whole hydration process.

When can cold water cause discomfort?

While drinking chilled water is usually not harmful to most people, some might find it discomforting. People who have the following medical conditions can experience discomfort :

• Achalasia: Drinking chilled water can exacerbate symptoms of this oesophageal disorder.
• Migraines: People who suffer from migraine condition experience triggers from drinking chilled water.
• Gastrointestinal sensitivities: People with sensitive stomachs experience discomfort or cramps after drinking chilled water.

What are the guidelines for water consumption safely?

Drinking chilled water undoubtedly gives the feel of refreshment, mainly on hot days, but it must be ingested responsibly to avoid any health complications. Here are some tips that can assist you in ensuring that the cold water is ingested safely:

• Keep Yourself Hydrated: Try to ingest at least eight glasses of water every day depending on the weather and intensity of exercise.
• Monitor temperature: Make sure to drink water at a temperature that suits your body. Room temperature or cold water both are beneficial in their way. You should try understanding your bodily needs and preferences.
• Moderation: Avoid ingesting too much cold water in a short period. It can lead to headaches or "brain freeze" additionally causing sore throats.
• Avoid During Meals: Avoid consuming cold water during meals as it might hinder digestion by narrowing blood vessels, and slowing down the process.
• Gradual Temperature Change: Refrain from ingesting chilled water immediately if you've just finished exercising or coming from a hot atmosphere. You can drink room temperature or moderately cooled water to prevent your system from shock. 

What are the tips for individuals with heart conditions? 

The following tips are for people with heart conditions or other health problems:

• Speak with Medical Professionals: Discuss with your healthcare provider about safe hydration practices tailored to your condition. For people with heart problems, there are certain medical recommendations to be followed which also include a temperature of the water.
• Drinking Cold Water in Moderation: If you have cardiac issues, ensure drinking cold water moderately and understand your body’s response to it. how your body 
• Slow Ingestion: Sip slowly to avert abrupt shifts in heart rate and blood pressure.
• Warm Up After Activity: Cool down slowly before drinking chilled water if exercising or exposed to heat.
• Listen to Your Body: If you experience discomfort or symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations stop drinking chilled water right away. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, drinking cold water does not trigger heart attacks, this is a myth without any scientific evidence available. However, there can be some physiological responses to cold water, the body processes water ingestion effectively irrespective of temperature. The primary causes of heart attacks are conditions like coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and lifestyle changes, but not drinking cold water. Chilled water is safe for most people, though it can lead to momentary pain for some people. It is important to not entertain unreliable stories or opinions and instead trust expert standpoints and scientific evidence. Making improved decisions for your health can only be achieved by learning the facts regarding heart health and hydration. 

FAQ - 

Should heart patients drink less water?

Heart patients are usually asked to administer their fluid ingestion to prevent excess fluid accumulation as it can put pressure on the heart. The doctor's guidelines regarding hydration should be followed.

Can we drink water during a heart attack?

Drinking water during a heart attack isn't dangerous, but prompt clinical attention is essential. If a heart attack is detected, it's vital to call emergency services.

Can drinking cold water cause a heart attack?

Drinking cold water is not related to causing a heart attack. However, it might set off a vagus nerve response, causing a temporary slowing of the heart rate, but this is often safe for most people.

Is drinking chilled water bad for you?

Drinking chilled water is not innately bad. It can cause throat irritation or mild discomfort, but it often doesn't pose any major health risks for most people.