Stating that hot weather causes low blood pressure, Internal Diseases Specialist Dr. Muhammet Bilici said, “Especially in the summer months, water loss in the body is high due to the effect of hot weather, which leads to dilation in the vessels. For this reason, low blood pressure is very common.”
ISU Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Muhammet Bilici gave information about low blood pressure that can be seen in extreme heat. Making the definition of low blood pressure, Uzm. Dr. Bilici said, “Low blood pressure or hypotension is a condition in which the pressure in the circulatory system is low. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mm/Hg. Hypotension occurs when blood pressure values fall below normal. More severe symptoms may occur when the patient's blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg or lower. Patients may experience complaints such as dizziness, headache, darkening in the eyes, nausea, fatigue, rapid and shallow breathing, paleness and pallor when blood pressure drops.”
“Causes of low blood pressure”
Stating that there are many different reasons among the causes of low blood pressure, Uzm. Dr. Bilici said, “The most common causes of low blood pressure are prolonged dehydration, inactivity, being in a bedridden position for a long time, improper diet, unhealthy diet, some hypertension drugs, drugs used in heart failure, diuretic drugs, staying in hot weather for a long time. Low blood pressure is also common in cases of blood loss in the body and during pregnancy. In addition, some diseases such as orthostatic hypotension and Parkinson's disease also cause low blood pressure.”
“Hot weather can cause low blood pressure”
Stating that hot weather causes low blood pressure, Specialist. Dr. Bilici said, “Especially in the summer months, water loss in the body is high due to the effect of hot weather, so low blood pressure is very common due to the expansion of the vessels.”
“Treatment pathways”
Stating that different measures can be taken in the treatment of low blood pressure according to the underlying root cause and the severity of the condition, Uzm. Dr. Bilici said the following: “First of all, the patient's position should be immediately made supine and then the feet should be raised above the heart level. In this way, situations such as fainting and loss of consciousness due to hypotension will be prevented. In cases of dehydration (excessive water loss), drinking enough fluids can help to raise blood pressure. In cases such as nausea-vomiting or diarrhea, lost fluids should be replaced. Some people with low blood pressure may be recommended a diet containing too much salt because salt can increase blood volume and increase blood pressure by retaining water in the blood vessels. However, close blood pressure monitoring should be done while doing this. Otherwise, excessive salt intake may cause hypertensive attacks. If the patient's low blood pressure persists despite salt intake, fluid intake and position change, fluid loading such as intravenous saline may be required.”
“Heavy meals should be avoided”
Stating that patients should pay attention to situations that cause blood pressure drop due to a change in position, such as standing up suddenly, and make slow movements, Uzm. Dr. Bilici said, “Wearing compression stockings provides better circulation by preventing blood from accumulating in the lower legs, which can raise blood pressure. It is necessary to limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Avoiding heavy meals is recommended. Overeating can also lower blood pressure. Therefore, overeating should be avoided. In cases of low blood pressure, consuming foods and drinks containing caffeine can also help to increase blood pressure. Not crossing legs is also among the measures to be taken. Medications used by the person may also cause low blood pressure. For this reason, he can consider this possibility and consult his doctor and have his medications reorganized.”
“It can negatively affect kidney health”
Emphasizing that low blood pressure can cause different diseases, Uzm. Dr. Bilici said, “If the patient's low blood pressure is not very serious, it can cause complaints such as weakness, fatigue, headache, dizziness and darkening in the eyes during the day, which can prevent the patient from performing social daily activities. If the patient's blood pressure is severely low and this condition persists for a long time, blood flow to the brain, kidney and liver will be reduced. This can cause damage to the organs and even lead to fatal consequences if not corrected quickly.”
“The amount of fluid should be increased”
Stating that we should consume plenty of water in hot weather, Uzm. Dr. Bilici said, “Due to excessive sweating in the summer months, we should increase the amount of fluid consumed daily. It is even important that these liquids are rich in balanced electrolytes (such as salty buttermilk, natural mineral waters, etc.).”
“Individuals at risk”
Speaking about the individuals at risk for low blood pressure, Uzm. Dr. Bilici said, “Individuals over the age of 65, pregnant women, patients with diabetes, hypertension and heart failure, and patients taking chronic medications are at risk. People who sit in the same position for a long time and work at a desk are also in the risky group in terms of low blood pressure.”
“Sudden movements should be avoided”
Explaining how patients with chronic low blood pressure should follow a path in treatment, Uzm. Dr. Bilici said the following: “If the patient has chronic low blood pressure, he/she should definitely have a doctor's examination and detailed blood tests. If there is no underlying disease and there is no low blood pressure due to the medications used, it is recommended that the patient pay attention to fluid consumption during the day and pay attention to salt intake if necessary. It is recommended to avoid sudden movements and consume caffeine according to the situation. When a person's blood pressure drops below 90/60, it can cause serious complaints. In fact, if this situation lasts for a long time and blood pressure is not raised, sudden cardiac arrest and death may occur as the blood flow to the brain will not be sufficient.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240805AW261103