Hot Weather and High Blood Pressure Can Be a Dangerous Combination: What You Need to Know

Summers in Brooklyn can be sweltering with temperatures soaring into the 90s and even 100 degrees. That’s uncomfortable for just about everyone, but if you struggle with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, you need to take special precautions to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Every summer, our experts at First Response Urgent Care see patients with dangerous heat-related conditions at our two clinics in Brooklyn, New York. Here’s what we tell our patients with high blood pressure.

How heat affects your cardiovascular system

When you step into a hot environment, your body works hard to cool itself. To radiate heat away from your internal organs, your blood vessels dilate, and your heart beats faster to pump more blood toward your skin. This natural cooling process can cause your blood pressure to drop. However, when the thermometer climbs above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or when the relative humidity surpasses 70 percent, your heart must work double-time to maintain a safe internal temperature.

This increased cardiac workload taxes your already compromised cardiovascular system, putting you at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Risks for patients taking blood pressure medications

Certain medications alter how your body handles high temperatures and fluid balance. 

Our medical team often treats patients who do not realize that their routine prescriptions increase their vulnerability to extreme heat.

• Diuretics: These pills reduce the volume of fluid in your blood vessels. When combined with heavy sweating, they can lead to rapid dehydration and a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure.

• Beta-blockers: These drugs slow your heart rate and limit your heart's ability to pump efficiently enough to cool your body down during a heatwave.

• ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers: These medications dilate blood vessels, which can amplify the blood-pressure-lowering effects of natural heat exposure, leading to dizziness or fainting.

Never adjust your medication dosage on your own if you feel unwell. Always consult a professional, such as those at First Response Urgent Care.

Signs of heat exhaustion and when to get help

Recognizing the early warning signs of heat illness prevents serious medical emergencies. Heat-related illnesses range from mild cramps to life-threatening conditions. Watch for these red flags on hot days:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint when standing up
• Heavy sweating accompanied by cold, pale, or clammy skin
• A rapid, weak pulse or occasional heart palpitations
• Persistent headaches, muscle cramps, or unusual fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, or a general feeling of weakness

If you notice any of these symptoms, move to a cool, air-conditioned room immediately, sip water slowly, and rest. If your symptoms don't improve after an hour or if they worsen, seek immediate medical care.

Staying safe in Brooklyn during the summer months

Follow these steps when the forecast calls for high temperatures.

• Drink plenty of water: Hydrate throughout the day before you feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages, since they contribute to fluid loss.
• Monitor the heat index: Check the local Brooklyn weather report before heading out. Pay attention to the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity to show how hot it actually feels.
• Time your outdoor activities: Schedule your errands, walks, or outdoor exercise during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Choose loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored, breathable fabrics to help your body stay cool.

If you feel dizzy, exhausted, or worried about how the summer weather is interacting with your hypertension or medications, our specialists are ready to evaluate your symptoms and help you manage your health safely.

Contact one of our Brooklyn, New York offices today.