Scotland will bask in the sun this weekend, but temperature surges can trigger blood pressure changes.
Scotland looks set to have its sunniest weekend of the year in the coming days. Glasgow is forecast to have a heatwave and hit 30C, breaking the record temperature for 2025 so far.
And while the blue skies and scorching sun will have many of us planning a barbecue or a trip to the beach, it’s important to consider our health during warmer weather.
Things like wearing sun cream, staying in the shade, and making sure you are hydrated are all well known. But what about your blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of your blood against the artery walls as it’s pumped around the body by the heart. It’s vital to maintain healthy blood pressure to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and various common diseases.
High blood pressure is often referred to as a “silent killer” due to its lack of symptoms, and it can lead to damaged blood vessels that become weak, stiff or narrower, and can weaken the heart.
Conversely, low blood pressure can reduce the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain, potentially causing dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, and fainting. In the UK, it’s estimated that over 14 million adults suffer from high blood pressure, many of whom are unaware of their condition and the associated health risks.
And the current bout of hot weather coming to Scotland will pose additional challenges for managing blood pressure, reports the Express.
Hot weather leads to an increase in sweating, which in turn leads to fluid loss in the body. This can result in dehydration and consequently a decrease in blood volume, leading to lower blood pressure.
Dementia UK has issued a warning that a drop in blood pressure can heighten the risk of falls and fainting. The British Heart Foundation has also cautioned that this could put individuals with heart and circulatory diseases at an increased risk of health complications and even death.
Ruth Goss, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, highlighted the importance of staying hydrated to prevent blood pressure from dropping too much.
She advised: “Water is best but milk, sports drinks, diluted squash, fruit juice, tea, and coffee all count. If you have been told to restrict your fluid intake, for example if you have heart failure, speak to your GP or heart failure nurse about other ways to keep cool.”
The Mayo Clinic has identified those most at risk during hot weather as individuals over 50, overweight, or with heart, lung, or kidney conditions.
Medications for blood pressure could impact how well you handle the heat. During the UK heatwave, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has provided guidance for patients on common medications, including those for blood pressure.
Medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers may affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, particularly during sudden periods of high heat.
ACE inhibitors might even diminish your natural thirst response, leading to a reduced desire to drink water and a heightened risk of dehydration.
Signs that your body is struggling with the heat include symptoms like cold, clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, disorientation, rapid pulse, fatigue, and headache.
Six tips for staying safe in a heatwave
Alzheimer’s Society has shared its top tips to keep people with dementia safe during the heatwave. And the advice could also benefit anyone spending time outdoors in the sun this weekend.
1. Dress appropriately
Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres helps prevent overheating. A hat or cap is essential for those with dementia if they are going to be outside for long periods.
2. Keep homes cool
During the day, when the sun is at its hottest, close the curtains and blinds. This is especially crucial in sunny, south-facing rooms. Open windows in the evening to let warm air out and cooler air in.
3. Avoid the midday sun
Make sure people with dementia stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). When outdoors during this period, find some shade, wear a hat, and apply high-factor sun cream regularly.
4. Find ways to cool off
Try putting a frozen bottle of water or ice pack next to a fan for DIY air-conditioning, or place a washcloth and iced water nearby. If you have a coldpack, put it in the freezer so you can use it to cool yourself when needed.
5. Combat dehydration
Have glasses or bottles of cool water within easy reach. If you are with someone who has dementia, leave reminders for them to drink and provide high water content foods such as ice lollies, milk jellies, melon and yogurt. “Water sweets”, such as Jelly Drops, can also help the person stay hydrated.
6. Ask others to help
If you don’t live near the person or are worried about someone, ask a friend or neighbour to check in on them.
Angelo Makri, senior knowledge officer for wellbeing at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “As the temperatures rise this week, we are urging families and carers to check in on people with dementia to make sure they are staying hydrated, wearing light clothes and keeping out of direct sun.
“Popping round to check on a neighbour, friend or family member with dementia can help keep them safe during the hot weather.”