High blood pressure (hypertension) doesn’t take a summer vacation. In fact, the combination of heat, humidity and certain blood pressure medications can create real complications during the hottest months of the year, and south Louisiana delivers some of the most punishing summers in the country.
Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care has walk-in locations in Thibodaux, Houma and Gray, and we’re open daily with no appointment needed. If you’re dealing with hypertension and the weather is getting hotter, here’s what you need to know.
How heat can affect your blood pressure
When your body gets hot, it works to cool itself by pushing more blood toward the skin’s surface. This process can affect blood pressure and put added stress on the heart. Heat combined with heavy sweating also reduces the amount of fluid in your body, lowering blood volume and compounding the strain.
A dangerous situation arises when temperatures go over 70 degrees and humidity surpasses 70%, as reported by the Mayo Clinic Health System. These weather conditions are typical in Louisiana during the summer.
For those with hypertension, particularly older adults or those with existing heart issues, the increased heat pressure can push them towards a dangerous state. Don’t assume your regular blood pressure management will suffice during a heatwave if you’ve had no issues previously.
Blood pressure medications and heat
If you take medication to manage your blood pressure, summer heat adds a layer of complexity that you should know about. For instance, diuretics are among the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications, and they already reduce fluid levels in your body. The Cleveland Clinic warns that when you combine that effect with heavy sweating, the resulting dehydration can lead to low blood pressure and even fainting.
Your medications may also need to be stored more carefully than you think. A cool, dry place is essential for their preservation, so avoid storing them in areas with temperature extremes, in or near the bathroom where hot showers are frequent.
Warning signs for you to watch out for
Knowing what heat exhaustion looks like matters, especially when your cardiovascular system is already working harder than usual. It’s helpful to understand these warning signs:
- Severe sweating and cold or clammy skin
- Any dizziness or fainting
- If you feel a fast pulse suddenly
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Headaches or a general feeling of weakness
When experiencing these symptoms, exit the heat immediately and start drinking water. If there’s no improvement within 30 minutes, or if you experience confusion or a strong heartbeat without sweating, UC Davis warns it could be a heat stroke: call 911.
Staying ahead of the heat this summer
Managing hypertension in the heat comes down to consistent habits, and staying well-hydrated is the most important one. Your body needs more fluid than usual when you’re sweating heavily; thirst alone isn’t always a reliable signal that you’re running low on water.
Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, typically midday through mid-afternoon. If you monitor your blood pressure at home, check it more frequently during heat waves and pay attention to any unusual readings that you get.
Symptoms like unusual fatigue or a dull headache that persists after you’ve come inside can be early signs that the heat is affecting you more than you realize.
It’s simpler to address those signals preemptively than to deal with the consequences of ignoring them.
Come see us at Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care
Visit Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care if you feel unwell after being in the heat. For most heat-related cases that don’t require an ER, we can take care of it here without the wait. We can check your blood pressure, assess for dehydration and, if needed, get you set up with IV fluid hydration.
If the heat is making you feel worse than it should, it’s not a good idea to wait it out. Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care is open daily in Thibodaux and Houma from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and in Gray from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Walk in whenever you need us.
