Chest pain is a symptom caused by a variety of medical problems, including heart disease. But it’s also possible that drinking contaminated water can negatively affect your health in several ways. Impurities in water can range from minerals and chemicals to bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Consuming these contaminants can cause a variety of symptoms, including chest pain.
Impure Water And Heart Health
Bacteria And Other Microorganisms: These can cause infection and inflammation, which often lead to chest pain. It can also cause illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A, and E. coli infections.
Parasites: Contaminated water can contain parasites like Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium that may cause chest pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Chemicals And Minerals: Consuming these substances can cause headaches, nausea, and chest pain.
Heavy Metals: Ingesting heavy metals such as lead or arsenic can result in inflammation of vital organs and chest pain.
Dehydration: Lack of fluids can cause a sharp, burning sensation in the chest as well as other symptoms like dizziness and fatigue.
Lead And Arsenic: Long-term exposure to these contaminants can lead to high blood pressure, placing stress on the arteries and potentially causing heart disease over time.
What Is Arsenic?
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element. It is the combination of sulfur and metals that finds its way into drinking water supplies due to natural ore deposits or industrial pollution.
Ingesting high levels of arsenic can cause chest pain due to its effects on the heart and other organs of the body.
Effects Of Arsenic On Heart Health
Thickening Of The Heart’s Main Pumping Chamber: Arsenic in water has been linked to a 47 percent greater chance of thickening of the left ventricle in people drinking from private wells.
Increased Risk For Cardiovascular Disease: People who ingest arsenic are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases over time.
Higher Risk Of Thickening In People With High Blood Pressure: People with high blood pressure are at an even higher risk, with a 58 percent greater chance for thickening of the left ventricle.
Who Is The Most Vulnerable?
- People who are most at risk of experiencing chest pain due to impure water are those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly and young children.
- People living in areas where the water supply is naturally contaminated or has been exposed to industrial pollutants may also be more likely to feel chest pain due to drinking impure water.
- Those with a pre-existing heart condition or asthma may experience chest pain more acutely when consuming impure water.
Other Possible Causes Of Chest Pain
Lung Conditions: This can include bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, or asthma.
Heart Problems: Chest pain due to a heart attack can be severe and last for several minutes. However, it can also be caused by other heart-related issues such as pericarditis, mitral valve prolapse, or angina.
Stress And Anxiety: Psychosomatic chest pain can be caused by such things as stress and anxiety. It is usually temporary, but it can become chronic with prolonged exposure to high levels of stress.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Chest pain can also result from certain digestive problems such as acid reflux and gallstones.
Effects Of Drinking Contaminated Water
- Chest Pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea And Vomiting
- Abdominal Cramps
- Weakness
- Electrolyte Imbalances
- And Even Death
Tips For Avoiding Impure Water
- It’s important to check your local water supply to make sure it meets safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- You can also buy a home water filter or use a pitcher-style filter to remove contaminants from tap water.
- Avoid drinking from natural sources such as lakes, rivers, and streams as these can contain dangerous pollutants.
FAQs
Does Contaminated Water Smell?
Yes, impure water is contaminated with microorganisms, chemicals, metals, and other pollutants that can have a noticeable odor. Impure water may also take on a strange taste or color.
Can Drinking Contaminated Water Make You Sick?
Yes, drinking contaminated water can cause serious health problems such as gastrointestinal illnesses, skin rashes, and other infections.
Why Animals Do Not Get Sick From Drinking Impure Water?
Animals consume the same source of water regularly, so their bodies can adjust and build up a resistance to the contaminants in the water. Humans, on the other hand, are exposed to different sources of contaminated water which makes it harder for our bodies to adapt and resist any potential contamination.
Is It Safe To Drink Water While Lying In Bed?
It is not safe to drink water while lying in bed. Lying down can cause the liquid to travel down your throat and into your lungs, which can be dangerous. It is best to sit or stand upright when drinking any type of liquid, including water.
Why Does Some Water Give Heartburn?
Some water may have a high level of minerals such as calcium or magnesium, which can cause heartburn. It is important to check the mineral content in your drinking water and choose one that has less than 500 mg/L of these minerals if you experience frequent heartburn.
Is Swimming Can Cause Heart Pain?
There is no scientific evidence that swimming in impure water can cause chest pain. However, if you are experiencing chest pain while swimming in any type of water, it is important to contact a medical professional right away.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that chest pain caused by impure water may not be as serious as chest pain caused by other medical conditions, but it is still important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any kind of chest pain. By treating the underlying cause of the chest pain, you can get back to feeling better and enjoying life to the fullest.
Meet Jeffrey B Roberts, your dedicated guide into the realm of water science and technology. As a hydro biologist with an insatiable curiosity, Jeffrey’s journey has been one of unraveling the mysteries of water systems and advocating for clean, safe water for all.
With an academic background steeped in the sciences, Jeffrey’s passion lies at the crossroads of science, technology, and nature. A deep fascination with plants and genetics has not only enriched their understanding of aquatic ecosystems but has also propelled them into the world of water softening solutions.
Believing that clean water is a basic human right, Jeffrey’s writing transcends the technicalities, making the intricate world of water softening accessible to all. Through their blog, they ardently share insights, tips, and breakthroughs, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their water quality.
Beyond his role as a prolific writer, Jeffrey is a respected figure in the hydronics industry education. With years of hands-on experience, they serve as an adjunct professor, nurturing the next generation of experts at the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. His involvement on the Technical Advisory Board further cements their dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation in water technology.