Rising air temperatures can affect blood pressure. In hot weather, blood vessels dilate and blood flow to the skin increases. At the same time, sweating also increases, and these factors can lead to low blood pressure if the body is dehydrated.
Rapid drops in blood pressure can cause symptoms such as dizziness and fainting and increase the risk of falling. This risk is higher in elderly people, patients with heart and kidney diseases, and also in those who take diuretics or certain blood pressure medications.
Symptoms to watch for in hot weather include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, increased heart rate, muscle cramps, as well as excessive sweating or unusually decreased sweating.
Why can heat lower blood pressure?
Exposure to heat causes blood vessels to dilate and the body directs more blood flow to the skin to cool down. On the other hand, sweating causes loss of body water. If this loss is not compensated for, blood volume decreases and blood pressure may fall.
For this reason, drinking enough water is very important on hot days. It is also recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and not to schedule intense physical activity during peak heat hours.
Cold can have the opposite effect
Blood pressure changes are not limited to hot days. In cold weather, blood vessels may constrict. In this condition, blood needs more pressure to pass through narrowed vessels and as a result blood pressure can increase.
This difference shows that ambient temperature can be one of the factors affecting blood pressure changes, and people with high blood pressure should monitor their condition more closely during periods of extreme heat.
Hypertensive patients should be careful during heat waves
People with high blood pressure should take their medications regularly and as prescribed by their doctor on hot days, and consult their physician if they notice unusual symptoms.
Paying attention to water intake, avoiding prolonged stays under direct sunlight, and refraining from strenuous activity during peak heat hours can also help reduce the risk of low blood pressure in hot conditions.