After long months of chilling cold, summers come as a ray of hope. But summers can be frustrating. Even on an average sunny day you can feel extremely hot because of the humidity. Although the summer season is refreshing, it has its own negative effects on the body. Especially for people with conditions like blood pressure.
But do summers affect blood pressure? Let’s understand the relationship between summer and blood pressure and tips to manage them effectively during the summer season.
What is a normal blood pressure?
Before we find out how summers affect blood pressure, let’s get a review on what blood pressure is. Blood presses against artery walls as the heart pumps blood throughout the body, resulting in blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is defined as the measurement of 120/80 mmHg or less, though this can vary based on age, health, and other factors. There are several causes of high blood pressure that can impact the overall health.
How does summer affect blood pressure?
Summer throws several factors at our bodies that can influence blood pressure. Here is a summary of some important components.
Temperature:
Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure to maintain warmth. Oppositely hot weather leads to vasodilation where the blood vessels widen, which could help in reducing the blood pressure. However the effect is often temporary and other factors come into play.
Dehydration:
Sweating is a natural response to regulate body temperature in hot weather. However excessive sweating without adequate fluid intake can lead to dehydration. Dehydrated blood becomes thicker and more challenging to pump.
Sun exposure:
Certain medications for high blood pressure can increase sun sensitivity, leading to side effects of hypertension. This can discourage individuals from spending time outdoors, leading to a less active lifestyle and potentially impacting blood pressure control.
Dietary changes:
Summer can lead to dietary changes. Increased consumption of salty snacks, sugary drinks, and processed foods can contribute to severe hypertension.
Increased activity:
While summer often means more outdoor activities, exertion in hot weather can put a strain on the heart, temporarily raising blood pressure. However, regular exercise is crucial for overall health and can benefit blood pressure control in the long run. Consult the general hospital Coimbatore if you are experiencing any symptoms of high blood pressure.
What are the symptoms that indicate your body isn’t getting adjusted to the summer?
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Clammy or cold skin
- Increased pulse
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Swelling in legs and arms
- Sweating excessively or unable to sweat
Who is at risk of blood pressure in summers?
It is important to remember that blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day. Factors like stress, caffeine intake, and even the time of a day can cause temporary fluctuations. While summer can introduce new elements affecting blood pressure, it is not necessarily a cause for concern for everyone.
While some people may experience a slight decrease in blood pressure during summer, others may be more susceptible to negative impacts. Here are some groups who might need to extra cautious,
Individuals with uncontrolled blood pressure:
If your blood pressure is already poorly managed, summer challenges can worsen the existing conditions. For people with unmanaged blood pressure, it is important to seek high blood pressure treatment to keep themselves under check.
People taking certain medications:
Certain medications can increase dehydration risk in the hot weather.
Individuals with underlying health conditions:
Certain health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can make blood pressure management more challenging in the summer.
What are the tips to keep blood pressure in check during summer?
Here are some practical tips to manage severe hypertension effectively throughout the summer:
Stay hydrated:
Even if you are thirsty, it is important to drink a lot of water throughout the day. Aim for eight glasses or more per day, and adjust based on activity levels.
Maintain a healthy diet:
Restrict your intake of processed foods, sweetened beverages, and salt. Give priority to whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.
Monitor your blood pressure regularly:
Checking your blood pressure regularly at home allows you to identify any concerning trends and seek medical advice if needed.
Learn to be sun smart:
Spend time outdoors, but do it with the right planning. Avoid peak sun hours and wear protective clothing and sunscreen.
Maintain a regular exercise routine:
Regular physical activity, even modified for hot weather, can significantly benefit blood pressure control. Opt for early morning or evening workouts, stay hydrated during exercise, and listen to your body.
Keep your body cool:
Wear loose fitted clothing, spend some time in cool and shady places. Consume foods that keep your body cool naturally.
Along with these tips it is important to follow a proper routine to keep the blood pressure levels managed.
Important Takeaway:
It is important to remember that to keep the blood pressure levels in check, you need to follow the right lifestyle habits. By following healthy habits you can enjoy the summer without getting worried. Reach out to the best doctor for hypertension in Coimbatore if your blood pressure levels are unmanaged.
