Uncle Li is over seventy years old this year and has hypertension. He is particularly attentive to the fluctuations in his blood pressure.
When summer comes, Uncle Li feels a bit strange. The heat is like a steamer, but his blood pressure is surprisingly lower than usual. He is somewhat happy and thinks that since his blood pressure has lowered, he can cut back on his medication. He thinks to himself: “Taking too much medicine is not good.”
However, after just a few days of relaxation, one afternoon, while watching TV at home, Uncle Li suddenly felt dizzy, his vision blurred, and then everything went black as he collapsed with a thud.
Seeing Uncle Li collapse, his family hurriedly took him to the hospital. After an examination, the doctor said that Uncle Li fainted due to a sudden increase in blood pressure.
The doctor earnestly advised him that even in summer, he must take his medication for hypertension on time, as fluctuations in blood pressure can lead to serious problems. This time, Uncle Li understood and vowed never to stop taking his medication without consulting a doctor.
1. Can hypertension in summer “heal without medication”?
A large study found that the average systolic blood pressure in summer is about 10 mmHg lower than in winter. Many friends with hypertension have also noticed that their blood pressure drops in summer. Why is that?
The reason blood pressure may be lower in summer is due to the high temperatures causing blood vessels to expand, reducing vascular resistance. Additionally, sweating in summer leads to loss of body fluids, resulting in a slight decrease in blood pressure.
For hypertensive patients, summer is actually a “troublesome season” and requires extra caution.
Hypertensive patients are different from normal individuals in their adaptation to temperature changes. Sometimes, when the weather is hot, blood pressure not only does not decrease but can rise suddenly, and blood can become thicker, which is more dangerous than in winter.
Furthermore, most hypertensive patients have atherosclerosis, making their blood prone to clotting. In summer, due to high temperatures and increased sweating, blood can become more viscous, increasing the risk of blood vessel blockage.
Professor Wang Qinghai, Director of the Cardiovascular Department at the Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Guangdong Province, reminds friends with hypertension to adjust their diet and exercise habits in summer. For example, the diet should be light with less salt and oil, but not completely salt-free. Since salt loss increases in summer due to sweating, it is beneficial to consume the right amount of salt.
2. What should hypertensive patients do to safely navigate through summer?
“During the sweltering dog days of summer, ten miles of lotus blossoms in the breeze.” Entering the hottest period of the year, known as the “Dog Days,” the hot, low-pressure, and humid weather can make the blood pressure of elderly hypertensive patients unstable, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
For elderly hypertensive patients to maintain stable blood pressure and comfortable living conditions in summer, it is recommended to:
1. Avoid stopping medication arbitrarily
Summer may lead to decreased blood pressure, making individuals relax their guard, thinking it is a “safe period” for hypertension. Some may even reduce or completely stop their medication. Dr. Liu Ming, Deputy Director of the Hypertension Research Institute at the Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, warns that stopping medication casually can worsen blood pressure fluctuations and lead to heart disease or stroke, posing a serious threat to health.
2. Monitor blood pressure regularly
In summer, it is advisable to measure blood pressure more frequently. It is suggested to measure blood pressure at two fixed times daily over a week and record the readings. The measurement times can be based on personal daily routines, and before measuring, individuals should stay calm and seated for 10 minutes. For instance, measuring once in the morning after waking up and once after lunch, consistently over a week.
3. Adjust medication dosage
Dr. Lu Mingjun, Chief Physician of the Cardiovascular Department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, advises that the dosage of hypertensive medication may need to be adjusted according to actual blood pressure changes and seasonal variations. Maintaining the same dosage in summer as in winter can result in excessively low blood pressure.
4. Select appropriate antihypertensive medication
When choosing antihypertensive medication, it is preferable to opt for long-acting drugs that help maintain stable blood pressure throughout the day, providing effective control even at night, thus reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, the specific treatment plan should be determined by a physician based on individual circumstances.
3. These 3 antihypertensive drugs have been phased out, yet many hypertensive patients still use them
To maintain stable blood pressure, hypertensive patients need to take medication regularly. However, using outdated drugs can lead to persistent high blood pressure and other complications. So, among the multitude of antihypertensive medications available, which ones are the best choices?
1. Nifedipine
This drug acts quickly by swiftly lowering blood pressure, whether ingested or placed under the tongue. However, this rapid blood pressure reduction can sometimes cause blood vessels to dilate too quickly, resulting in significant fluctuations in blood pressure, which may lead to heart or brain problems. Some individuals may experience headaches, flushing, or lower limb swelling after use.
2. Compound Reserpine Tablets
This medication contains a variety of components, including hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine. Reserpine may accelerate heart rate, and with long-term or large doses, it could be harmful to the heart. Consequently, it is no longer recommended as a first-choice antihypertensive drug.
3. Compound Antihypertensive Drugs Containing Labetalol
These drugs contain labetalol, which stimulates stomach acid secretion and affects nerves. Prolonged use may lead to adverse reactions. Moreover, these drugs are not as effective in protecting vital organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys. Therefore, they are no longer commonly used for hypertension treatment.
In summary, hypertensive patients should not let their guard down in summer. It is crucial to adjust medications scientifically under the guidance of a physician to ensure stable blood pressure and protect their cardiovascular health.
References:
[1] “7 details to stabilize your blood pressure in summer.” Hunan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. May 29, 2024
[2] “Summer is here, how can hypertensive patients safely navigate through summer?” Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. May 17, 2021
[3] “In the scorching heat of summer, how can elderly hypertensive patients safely navigate through summer?” Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Second Hospital, Central South University. August 1, 2023
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