If you frequently feel dizzy on hot summer days, you should consider the possibility of low blood pressure. Low blood pressure or hypotension occurs when excessive sweating from the heat reduces the body’s fluid levels, leading to decreased blood flow and dehydration, lowering blood pressure. While many people focus only on high blood pressure, summer low blood pressure is a severe condition that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The peak season for low blood pressure
Most patients with low blood pressure seek treatment during the summer months of July and August. This increase is often due to excessive sweating, which can cause even individuals who typically maintain normal blood pressure to experience drops during hotter periods. Low blood pressure is more commonly observed in older adults and tends to affect women more frequently than men.
Why do you often feel dizzy on hot days?
Low blood pressure is a systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure below 60 mmHg. Causes of low blood pressure include hormonal changes, blood vessel dilation, and heart disease. During the summer, the heat causes blood vessels to dilate to help maintain body temperature. Significant fluid and electrolyte loss through sweating leads to reduced fluid volume.
You could suddenly collapse
In summer, patients visiting hospitals for low blood pressure often report dizziness and headaches. Lightheadedness and dizziness are experienced when standing up after sitting or lying down. This condition is also known as orthostatic hypotension. It happens as blood does not reach the brain quickly enough, and in situations where blood pressure drops rapidly, it can result in fainting.
Vision impairment or arrhythmia
When low blood pressure prevents sufficient blood supply to the brain, blood flow to the retinal vessels is also restricted, leading to vision impairment. Additionally, if blood pressure drops suddenly, the body may respond by increasing sympathetic nervous system activity, raising the risk of arrhythmias, where the heart beats irregularly.
Patients with high blood pressure should be extra cautious
Surprisingly, high blood pressure patients must be alert for low blood pressure in summer. Many hypertension patients already experience atherosclerosis, which means their blood vessels lack the elasticity required to maintain blood pressure, making them more susceptible to rapid drops in blood pressure. Furthermore, those already taking medication to lower their blood pressure must be extra vigilant.
Self-diagnosis methods for summer low blood pressure
Do visit a hospital for immediate consultation if you experience two or more of any of the symptoms listed below: frequent dizziness and lightheadedness during the summer, frequent headaches or fatigue, experience blackout when standing up from a sitting or lying position, worse symptoms mainly in the morning, have chronic illnesses or take long-term medications, or feel nauseous after sweating.
Emergency treatment methods for low blood pressure
Most cases of low blood pressure during the summer are temporary, and taking simple measures can help you recover. Resting in a cool place and staying hydrated effectively alleviate symptoms. Drinking lukewarm water with a pinch of salt can be beneficial if you’ve been sweating excessively. If you experience sudden dizziness, elevating your legs on a pillow or cushion can help direct blood flow toward your heart and brain.
Foods that help prevent low blood pressure
To prevent low blood pressure, eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C and dietary fiber is beneficial, with spinach being a prime example. Dark leafy greens like spinach are high in nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide in the body, helping to dilate blood vessels and improve circulation. Also, dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt contain vitamin B12, which helps maintain normal blood pressure and promotes circulation. Regularly consuming these foods or taking supplements can effectively prevent low blood pressure.
Stay hydrated regularly
During the hot summer months, staying hydrated is crucial, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Instead of consuming large amounts of water all at once, siping small quantities throughout the day is more effective. Water is the best choice for staying hydrated. Be cautious with caffeinated beverages such as coffee, which have a diuretic effect and can contribute to dehydration. Therefore, it’s advisable to limit their consumption.
Helpful lifestyle habits
Regular exercise is necessary, but avoiding high-intensity workouts that lead to excessive sweating during the summer months is advisable. Opt for exercising indoors where it’s cooler. As mentioned earlier, beverages such as coffee and alcohol can dilate blood vessels and lead to fluid loss, so limiting or avoiding their consumption is wise. Wearing compression stockings or ankle support socks can also benefit those who need to stand for extended periods at work.
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