Effect of electrolytes in drinking water on various parameters of the cardiovascular system of man

Abstract

Serum electrolyte data, physiological parameters, and dietary intake information were compared in a population ages 6 months to 97 years and over living in seven areas with soft potable water and six areas with hard potable water in Texas. The mean values for blood pressure, plasma cholesterol and serum sodium were significantly higher for population residing in the areas with soft water. Similarly, the increases in blood pressure and serum sodium levels especially within the 55-59 year age group were greater in areas with soft water. The serum electrolytes, blood pressure and cholesterol measurements were compared for a population aged 35-65 not only on the basis of total water hardness but also with respect to amount of sodium and the sodium-calcium ratio in drinking water. The mean values of systolic blood pressure, plasma cholesterol and serum sodium were greater in areas with higher sodium-calcium ratios. It was observed that the lower the total water harness, the higher the sodium-calcium ratio in the drinking water. The recorded differences in blood pressure, plasma cholesterol, and serum sodium levels could be important in explaining a substantial part of the differences in cardiovascular mortality between these areas with hard and soft water..