Preventing Blood Pressure Fluctuations in Hot Weather

The Hong Kong Observatory has issued severe heatwave warnings for several consecutive days. People often sweat profusely when going out, which not only affects their daily lives but also requires those with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension to pay extra attention to their health. Specialists point out that when the ambient temperature is too high, it can easily disrupt the body's blood pressure balance, and in severe cases, it can even cause a stroke, which is life-threatening.

According to statistics, a significant proportion of the Hong Kong population suffers from hypertension, many of whom require long-term medication to control their condition. Last year, the American Heart Association revised its definition of hypertension, lowering the original systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg to 130 mmHg and 80 mmHg, respectively. This means that any blood pressure reaching this level is considered hypertension.

Hypertension may lead to a variety of serious complications, including stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, citizens should pay more attention to their blood pressure changes and do a good job ofCardiovascular healthCardiologist Huang Pinli stated that many patients only know that blood pressure tends to rise in cold weather due to vasoconstriction, but often overlook the fact that blood pressure can also become abnormal in hot weather. This is especially true for those with high blood pressure, as rapid temperature changes can exacerbate blood pressure fluctuations, further burdening the body.

summerBlood pressure easily risesOne reason for this is that high temperatures can easily lead to excessive perspiration, which causes water loss, increases blood viscosity, and, in turn, raises blood pressure. Consequently, people with cardiovascular problems are more susceptible to accidents in hot weather, especially during exercise, and may even suffer sudden death. The risk is even higher if vascular elasticity is compromised, increasing the risk of acute myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular disease.

Dr. Huang specifically reminds us that air conditioning is common indoors in Hong Kong during the summer, and people frequently move in and out of environments with large temperature swings. The body constantly needs to adapt to these temperature changes, which can stimulate the heart's regulatory function, causing repeated dilation and contraction of blood vessels, leading to unstable blood pressure. Fluctuations in blood pressure not only affect heart and brain health but can also lead to retinal arteriosclerosis, hemorrhage, and other conditions. Therefore, in addition to taking medication on time, patients with hypertension should also develop good living habits and a regular sleep schedule to help stabilize their blood pressure.

Dr. Huang recommends that, because hypertensive patients are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations, they should develop the habit of regularly monitoring their blood pressure. Regardless of winter or summer, blood pressure should be measured and recorded at fixed times in the morning and evening. For more accurate readings, it is recommended to measure blood pressure at fixed times each day, such as in the morning when waking up on an empty stomach and at night before going to bed. This helps identify patterns in blood pressure fluctuations, leading to more effective blood pressure control and reduced risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Furthermore, even in summer, there is still a certain temperature difference between early morning and evening, so blood pressure may fluctuate when waking up. It is recommended that patients sit quietly for a few minutes after waking up to allow the body to gradually adapt before engaging in any activity. If morning exercises are desired, they should be light and avoid strenuous exercise that may cause a sudden increase in blood pressure.

In addition to being mindful of temperature fluctuations, many elderly people spend extended periods of time sleeping in air-conditioned rooms during the summer. Due to their frail constitutions and the high incidence of hypertension, catching a cold during sleep can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to blood pressure fluctuations and potentially developing vascular complications related to hypertension. Dr. Huang recommends considering using a fan or air conditioner instead of the AC, or adjusting the air conditioner temperature to between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius and wearing long-sleeved pajamas and long pants to help reduce the risk of catching a cold. Another option is to wait a short time after turning off the AC to allow the body to adjust to the room temperature before leaving the AC, which can also reduce cardiovascular stress.

Improve your lifestyle and diet:

Weight Control:
Hypertension patients often have obesity problems, because excess weight increasesThe burden on the heart, affecting blood pressure stability. Studies have shown that moderate weight loss can help lower blood pressure. It is recommended to reduce the intake of high-calorie, high-fat, and sugary drinks, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, and moderately control carbohydrate intake to maintain a balanced diet.
Follow a low-fat diet:
A high-fat diet not only leads to obesity, but can also cause diabetes, atherosclerosis, and fatty liver, all of which are risk factors for hypertension. Even patients with mild hypertension should control their fat intake.
Reducing sodium intake:
The World Health Organization recommends that daily salt intake should not exceed one teaspoon per person. Reduce the use of high-sodium condiments such as salt, MSG, and soy sauce in your diet, and avoid processed foods such as ham, sausage, and preserved foods.
Managing psychological stress:
Hypertensive patients should maintain a calm mindset and learn to face life and work pressures with a positive attitude to avoid the negative impact of emotional fluctuations on blood pressure. Furthermore, they should pay attention to sleep quality and develop good sleeping habits, avoiding staying up late and insufficient sleep to prevent blood pressure spikes.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption:
Smoking and drinking are significant risk factors for high blood pressure. Nicotine and alcohol, especially high concentrations, can harden blood vessel walls and increase blood pressure. Hypertensive patients should quit smoking and strictly control their alcohol intake to maintain cardiovascular health.