High blood pressure and heat: tips on coping with changes in the summer

Blood pressure tends to vary from one situation to another, and these changes should be taken into account – especially by people with hypertension – to avoid any health risks.

For example, the most noticeable change in blood pressure occurs between the day and the night, as when you are asleep it tends to drop 10% below daytime levels. But there are other factors that affect blood pressure:

• The summer and high temperatures. During the summer, it is estimated that around 30% of people with hypertension see their blood pressure decrease due to the heat, which has a vasodilatory effect.
• Altitude and sea level also help to lower blood pressure.
• Less stress. Holidays tend to make you more relaxed and reduce your stress, which is another factor that can help to lower blood pressure.

This change brings symptoms such as tiredness and low energy, so if you experience these you should measure your blood pressure and, if it remains consistently low, see your doctor so that they can adjust your medication.

High blood pressure and heat: tips on coping with changes in the summer.

High blood pressure and heat will not pose a problem for your health and your holidays if you follow these tips:

• Drink water. Proper hydration is essential for coping with these changes and to keep your body functioning properly.
• Medication alarms, because with the hustle and bustle of the holidays it is common to miss doses.
• Do physical exercise to control your weight, for at least 30 minutes. This will also offset any excesses in your diet. The best times to do it are early in the morning or at nightfall, as this way you avoid high temperatures.
• Look after your diet. Follow a diet that contains lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Keep saturated fats to a minimum.
• Avoid and/or control your salt intake, as it is harmful for people with high blood pressure. Try to avoid products that are high in salt such as olives, anchovies, crisps, etc.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking, as these increase the pressure in your arteries.
• Regularly check your blood pressure to avoid any major problems.
• Take natural food supplements that help to lower cholesterol and improve your cardiovascular health. For example, Keriba Duo by Probelte Pharma, which is composed of whole olive and pomegranate extracts that help to prevent hypertension, atherosclerosis and high cholesterol levels in the blood.