Low blood pressure in summer: what to do?

By Cristiano Antonino On Jul 29, 2022

Low blood pressure: In summer, often due to very high temperatures, it can happen that you feel tired and weak, and perhaps experience dizziness, fatigue or even fainting

The cause is often hypotension, i.e. a drop in blood pressure below values considered ‘normal’.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the intensity with which blood flows through the vessels.

A pressure considered normal is between 100 and 120 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) maximum and 75-80 mmHg minimum.

Blood pressure is monitored by a specialist during a medical examination, although it can also be measured at home or even in a pharmacy – especially in the case of individuals suffering from low blood pressure, who, in agreement with their doctor, should also monitor it regularly at home.

Blood pressure values, when low, are not strictly linked to a precise number, because they can change depending on age, health conditions and other factors: for example, a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg may be within the normal range for young, healthy individuals, but may be a sign of weakness in an elderly patient.

Low blood pressure: What causes it?

Factors that can influence blood pressure values include systolic volume, which is the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each contraction; vascular tone, which in turn can be influenced by stiffness or blockages in the blood vessels; and heart rate.

Variation in one or more of these factors can be the cause of lower blood pressure.

For example, a patient suffering from both heart failure and low systolic volume may perceive a decrease in blood pressure.

Arrhythmias can also cause a drop in blood pressure.

Low blood pressure: when to worry

Blood pressure values vary not only during the day, depending on the activities performed, but also in summer, due to the high heat.

For the most part, these variations are normal.

However, if hypotension is associated with other symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, dizziness, weakness, it is very important to contact your doctor.

Low blood pressure in summer: what to do?

To keep your blood pressure values ‘normal’ during the summer, you can

Keep your body hydrated by drinking water to compensate for fluids lost through sweating. The water temperature should be cool, not icy;
wet wrists and temples in hot weather to reactivate the nerve reflexes that lead to increased pressure;
wear light clothing made of breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, silk, viscose…);
drink coffee, which, thanks to its vasoconstrictive action, helps to raise blood pressure;
avoid alcohol:
if necessary and indicated by the doctor, take supplements of mineral salts such as magnesium and potassium, which are indispensable for the correct functioning of the body.

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