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Can drinking hot water reduce blood pressure? Cardiologist tells the truth. Drinking warm water and heat therapy can temporarily relax the blood vessels. But cardiologists say that these are not a cure for high blood pressure. Controlling high blood pressure requires a healthy lifestyle, regular monitoring and taking medicines as prescribed by the doctor when required.
Can drinking hot water reduce blood pressure?
According to Dr Ashwin Kulkarni, consultant, department of general medicine, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru, drinking hot water can cause a temporary physiological reaction in the body. “When you drink hot water, your body naturally relaxes and the heat causes local blood vessels to dilate slightly. This temporary dilation is called vasodilation. This temporarily reduces the resistance of the blood vessels and helps calm increased blood pressure caused by stress.”
Drinking adequate amounts of water also improves kidney function and blood circulation, which are important for heart health. However, Dr. Kulkarni says that this temporary effect should not be considered a cure.
Why can’t high blood pressure be cured with hot water?
Hypertension is a complex medical condition that is influenced by many factors, including hardening of the arteries, hormonal regulation by the kidneys, overactivity of the nervous system, heredity, obesity, excessive salt intake, and physical inactivity. Drinking hot water does not change these underlying processes.
Experts say that using hot water instead of prescribed medicines can delay proper treatment and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. “Relying on hot water as an alternative to proven treatment poses a serious medical risk, which can be further increased if it causes patients to delay medical follow-up or fail to take prescribed anti-hypertension medications,” said Dr. Kulkarni.
What does the research say about heat therapy?
According to Dr. Shyam Sasidharan, Consultant Cardiologist, KimsHealth, heat therapy is better than drinking hot water. Research shows that it has cardiovascular benefits. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate. This improves blood flow and temporarily reduces the pressure inside the arteries.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies conducted in 2021 found that heat therapy could reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by about 4 mmHg and improve blood vessel function. Other studies have shown that regular passive heat therapy can improve endothelial (blood vessel) function, and in adults with high blood pressure, immersion in hot water for 20–40 minutes can reduce 24-hour systolic blood pressure by about 6–7 mmHg.
Scientists believe that heat causes blood vessels to widen, a process called vasodilation. Dr. Sasidharan explained that when the blood vessels relax, blood flow becomes easier, which reduces the pressure inside the arteries.
Can heat treatment be harmful?
While bathing in hot water is generally safe for most people, extreme heat can cause blood pressure to drop too low in some people. People with heart disease, low blood pressure, frequent dizziness, and taking blood vessel dilating medications should consult their doctor before taking a hot water bath. Cardiologists suggest some ways to control high blood pressure.
- Reduce salt intake.
- Exercise at least 150 minutes a week.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking.
- Manage stress.
- Take blood pressure medicines regularly.
- Hot water can be a good part of a healthy lifestyle, but it can never replace or replace medical treatment.