The British Heart Foundation (BHF) says that around 3 in 10 people in the UK have hypertension (high blood pressure). This happens when the pressure on the walls of your blood vessels – caused by the blood within them – is higher than normal. Because they’re under more stress, your heart has to work harder, increasing your chances of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.
So as temperatures rise, should you be concerned? let’s take a look.
While your body is usually good at reducing blood pressure as a way to keep it safe when it gets too hot, problems can occur if it gets too high. Then, there is extra strain on your heart as it beats faster to maintain blood flow to your organs, which means blood pressure may temporarily increase.
This happens when:
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blood vessels dilate – Your body dilates the blood vessels near your skin to cool you. This is called vasodilation and allows blood to flow more freely.
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you sweat -This reduces blood volume, and your body may increase your heart rate in response.
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Your body releases stress hormones -If you get too hot, parts of your nervous system release adrenaline, which constricts your blood vessels and increases your heart rate.
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have an electrolyte imbalance – Excessive sweating can deplete important minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium, which can affect the functioning of your heart.
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medicines have side effects – Heat can increase the side effects of some medicines. For example, some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may affect your ability to sweat.
There are other examples of medications that may have side effects in heat.
These include:
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beta blockers – Blood flow to your skin may be reduced, making it harder for your body to cool down in hot weather.
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calcium channel blockers -Can cause electrolyte imbalance and affect your body’s ability to maintain a healthy temperature.
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antipsychotics -Can affect your ability to sweat and alter your ‘internal thermostat’, making it harder to cool down.
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diuretic – Your chances of dehydration and heat-related illnesses may increase.
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ACE inhibitors -Can cause dehydration, affect kidney function, and limit your body’s ability to redirect blood flow.
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weight loss medicinesuch as GLP-1 – Your chances of dehydration may increase.
Storing your medicines at the right temperature helps them remain effective. While many must be stored below 25 degrees Celsius (°C), others – such as insulin and some liquid antibiotics – require refrigeration. If the colour, smell, texture or appearance of your medicine changes, check with your pharmacist before taking it.
While sweating cools us, it also means we lose water and electrolytes. Losing any kind of fluid from your body reduces blood volume, which means blood pressure can drop, sometimes suddenly.
The most effective way to stay safe is to stay hydrated and cool. You should stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is most intense, wear light clothing, and limit vigorous activity.
Be more aware if you are an older person, chronically ill, or taking blood pressure medication. Whether you belong to the risk group or not, there are some symptoms that you should pay attention to, that may mean that you need some help.
Warning signs that your blood pressure may be affected include:
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Lightheadedness or dizziness.
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Fainting or feeling like fainting.
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heart beat fast.
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Nausea or headache.
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muscle cramps.
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Excessive sweating or no sweating at all.
If you have any of these symptoms, act immediately to cool down and stay hydrated, get out of direct sunlight and into a cool place, cool yourself down with cool — but not icy — water, and drink plenty of non-alcohol fluids.
If symptoms do not go away, seek help from a medical professional. If you or someone else becomes confused, starts sweating, faints, or collapses, call an ambulance immediately.
Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting and sweating can be signs of a heart attack. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, call 999 immediately.
People with high blood pressure have a higher risk of heart attack, so it’s important not to ignore these warning signs.
things to remember
As you can see, heatwaves can sometimes lower or raise your blood pressure, but if you take simple steps to reduce any risks and keep an eye out for any symptoms, you’ll be in a much better position.
Sometimes high blood pressure has no symptoms, so if you belong to any of the high-risk groups included above, or you feel concerned, you may want to consider getting tested. You can often do this without a doctor’s appointment, with many pharmacies offering this service, including some major supermarkets.
Enjoy the sun while it lasts and stay safe.
