A 40-Year-Old Man Di.es of a He.art Attack: Doctors Warn — No Matter How Thirsty You Are at Night, Avoid These 3 Types of Drinks

Certain drinking habits may increase health risks, especially in middle-aged and older adults.

At 2 a.m. on a winter night, Mr. Wu, a 40-year-old man in China, woke up with an intense dry mouth. Not wanting to get out of bed to fetch water, he noticed there was still half a glass of water left on his bedside table from before he went to sleep. He drank it all and lay back down to rest.

Shortly afterward, he developed severe chest pain. His family rushed him to the emergency room, but he did not survive. Doctors later confirmed the cause of death as an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).

According to his family, Mr. Wu had generally been healthy. Occasionally, he experienced mild discomfort in the chest area, but the symptoms would disappear on their own, so he never sought medical attention. Physicians believe that the cold glass of water in the middle of the night may have acted as a trigger for the cardiovascular event, particularly given his age and possible underlying heart disease.

Nighttime: A High-Risk Period for Cardiovascular Events

The hospital’s Emergency Department noted that nighttime is a period when cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes are more likely to occur. During sleep, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood clotting activity undergo natural physiological changes.

Certain inappropriate drinking habits at night may further increase these risks — particularly in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Doctors specifically warn against consuming the following three types of beverages when feeling thirsty at night:

1. Ice-Cold Water

When the body is in a resting state, drinking large amounts of ice-cold water can cause sudden blood vessel constriction. For individuals with coronary artery disease, this sudden constriction can increase the workload on the heart. Blood pressure may rise rapidly, potentially triggering angina or even a heart attack.

In addition, extremely cold water can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to stomach cramps, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. These reactions may indirectly affect circulation and place additional stress on the cardiovascular system.

2. Highly Concentrated Salt Water

At night, the kidneys’ metabolic and excretory functions slow down. Drinking highly concentrated salt water can quickly raise sodium levels in the bloodstream. This increase may expand blood volume and elevate blood pressure.

For people with hypertension or coronary artery disease, nighttime blood pressure fluctuations are a clear risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Excess sodium intake before or during sleep may therefore contribute to dangerous cardiovascular instability.

3. Sugary Beverages

Soft drinks, milk tea, and other sweetened beverages contain high amounts of sugar. Consuming these drinks while the body is at rest can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels. Elevated blood sugar increases blood viscosity and slows circulation.

When blood flow becomes sluggish, the risk of myocardial ischemia (reduced blood supply to the heart) or blood clot formation may rise — especially in individuals with preexisting cardiovascular conditions.

Over time, frequent nighttime consumption of sugary drinks is also associated with weight gain, diabetes, and metabolic disorders — all of which are major risk factors for heart disease.

Experts’ Recommendations

Health experts advise that if you truly feel thirsty at night, you should drink a small amount of warm water and take slow sips rather than drinking a large quantity at once.

Older adults and individuals with hypertension, coronary artery disease, or metabolic disorders should be particularly cautious about this seemingly simple habit. Even small lifestyle choices — such as what you drink in the middle of the night — can influence cardiovascular stability.

Mr. Wu’s tragic case serves as a reminder that underlying heart conditions can remain silent until triggered by an unexpected factor. Paying attention to subtle symptoms like recurrent chest discomfort and maintaining healthy nighttime habits may help reduce the risk of sudden and devastating events.

Sometimes, prevention begins with the smallest details.