Changes of the heart at hypoоsmolar overhydration

Abstract

Nearly all the major systems of our body depend on water to work properly. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day aids in regulating body temperature, preventing constipation, flushing waste products out of the body, and many other important functions. However, overhydration—or drinking too much water—is also a potentially deadly condition, one that can throw off the balance between water and sodium in our blood. Hyponatremia is an electrolyte disturbance characterized by sodium concentration in the plasma below 135 mmol/L. At lower levels, overhydration (water intoxication), an urgently dangerous condition, may result in this situation. Too little sodium in our body prevents our nerves from communicating properly with our muscle tissue, leading to muscle weakness, as well as spasms and cramps. Hyponatremia also affects our heart muscle, increasing our heart rate.