What Happens When You Don't Drink Enough Water? 10 Hidden Effects on Your Body

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  1. What happens to your blood when you become dehydrated? Blood contains: Red blood cells. White blood cells. Platelets. Plasma, which is mostly water. Proteins, electrolytes, nutrients and other substances. When the body loses too much water, plasma volume can decrease. This can cause hemoconcentration, meaning some substances in the blood appear more concentrated. Possible effects include: Increased blood viscosity under some circumstances. Reduced circulating blood volume. Increased strain on the cardiovascular system. Reduced blood flow to organs in severe dehydration. This is different from having excessive cholesterol or fatty deposits in arteries. NCBI+2 2. Does dehydration increase cholesterol readings? This is where our article can become particularly interesting. A small human study involving 15 healthy participants found that fasting without fluid replacement produced higher measured total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol than fasting with water and sal...
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Stroke Warning Signs: Remember FAST

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A stroke can happen suddenly, and recognising the warning signs may help save a life. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Without prompt treatment, brain cells can become damaged within minutes.

Knowing the signs of a stroke is important for everyone, especially people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or other cardiovascular risk factors.

What Does FAST Mean?

The FAST method is an easy way to remember some of the most common warning signs of a stroke.

F — Face Drooping

Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop, or does the smile look uneven? This may be a sign of a stroke.

A — Arm Weakness

Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward, or are they unable to lift one arm normally? Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body, is a warning sign.

S — Speech Difficulty

Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred, strange, or difficult to understand? They may also struggle to find the right words or understand what you are saying.

T — Time to Call for Emergency Help

If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. In Malaysia, dial 999. Do not wait for the symptoms to improve.

Other Stroke Warning Signs to Watch For

Not every stroke presents with all the FAST symptoms. Other warning signs can include:

  • Sudden loss or blurring of vision in one or both eyes.

  • Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking.

  • Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding others.

  • A sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

These symptoms require urgent medical assessment, particularly when they appear suddenly.

What Should You Do If Someone May Be Having a Stroke?

Taking the right steps can make a difference.

  1. Call 999 immediately. Tell the operator that you suspect a stroke.

  2. Note the time symptoms began. If you do not know the exact time, record when the person was last seen well.

  3. Stay with the person. Keep them safe and monitor their breathing and responsiveness.

  4. Do not give food, drinks, or medication. A stroke can affect swallowing, and some treatments may be dangerous without medical assessment.

  5. Follow the emergency operator's instructions. Do not delay getting help to see whether symptoms disappear.

Even if symptoms improve or disappear after a few minutes, seek emergency medical attention. This could be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, which can be a warning of a future stroke.

Who Is at Greater Risk of Stroke?

Several factors can increase the risk of stroke, including:

  • High blood pressure.

  • Diabetes or persistently high blood sugar.

  • High cholesterol.

  • Smoking.

  • Certain heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation.

  • Physical inactivity and some unhealthy dietary habits.

  • Increasing age and a family history of stroke.

Some risk factors cannot be changed, but many can be managed with medical care and healthy daily habits.

How Can You Help Reduce Your Stroke Risk?

Although not every stroke can be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk.

Keep blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. Check it regularly and follow your healthcare professional's advice.

Manage diabetes and cholesterol. Regular monitoring, prescribed medication, and appropriate lifestyle changes can help protect blood vessels.

Eat a balanced diet. Choose vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains, and suitable sources of protein. Limit excessive salt and heavily processed foods.

Stay physically active. Choose activities suited to your fitness and health, such as regular walking, unless your healthcare professional advises otherwise.

Avoid smoking. Smoking damages blood vessels and increases stroke risk.

Attend regular health checks. Early identification and treatment of risk factors can help protect your long-term health.

Remember FAST, Act Immediately

A stroke can change someone's life in a matter of minutes. Remembering FAST—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call for emergency help—can help you recognise a possible stroke and respond quickly.

If you suspect a stroke, call 999 in Malaysia immediately. Do not wait for every symptom to appear, and do not assume the person is safe just because the symptoms improve.

Sharing this information with family and friends could help someone recognise a stroke when every minute matters.

Health disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.


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