How to control high blood pressure in the summer and enjoy your vacation safely

The figures regarding the prevalence of hypertension worldwide speak for themselves, loud and clear. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.28 billion adults between the ages of 30 and 79 suffer from hypertension.

Furthermore, given that it is one of those silent diseases that does not show symptoms, almost half of them (46%) are unaware that they suffer from this condition , something truly dangerous, given the mortality rate with which it is associated.

If we look at data from Spain, things don't look any better. The Spanish Society of Cardiology reported in a study published in 2024 in the Revista Española de Cardiología that 33% of adults between 30 and 79 years of age (10 million) were hypertensive in 2019.

If we compare these figures with the causes of death worldwide, the Spanish Heart Foundation reports that hypertension causes 7.5 million deaths each year , 13% of all deaths worldwide, according to the WHO.

Therefore, disease prevention and control are key to combating this global health problem.

Summer, a “risky” season?

It goes without saying that care to maintain blood pressure within the ranges recommended by health institutions should be taken year-round. However, "summer can be a risky season for hypertensive patients, not necessarily due to the heat itself, but rather due to changes in habits during this time of year: slackness in taking medications, increased consumption of alcohol, salty or fatty foods, and less physical activity," summarizes Dr. Luis Rodríguez Padial, president of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC). He adds: "Dehydration and extreme temperatures can also affect patients, especially older people or those with other health conditions. However, with precautions, the risks are manageable."

Effects of heat on blood pressure

As the doctor points out, high summer temperatures are not necessarily the sole or most important trigger for a possible loss of blood pressure control. In fact, as he explains, the influence of heat on blood pressure occurs in this way: “ Heat causes vasodilation (blood vessels dilate), which can reduce blood pressure in some people. However, heat can also lead to dehydration, as more fluid is lost through sweating. This reduces blood volume, which can increase blood pressure or cause dizziness and fatigue. Additionally, heat can interact with some high blood pressure medications , such as diuretics, increasing the risk of dehydration or side effects.”

Along with the heat, another aspect closely related to summer is vacations , and specifically, the place chosen to spend the days off.

At this point, some people wonder if the eternal dilemma of beach or mountains could be resolved by applying the criterion of whether you have high blood pressure or not. In other words, does altitude influence blood pressure? And if so, how? "At higher altitudes, the oxygen content in the air decreases, which can cause the heart to work harder to supply oxygen, temporarily increasing blood pressure," the expert explains.

Furthermore, "the body may respond with an increased heart rate and vasoconstriction to adapt," he adds. "In hypertensive patients , this may be more pronounced, especially if they are not accustomed to high altitudes (above 2,500 meters). However, the response varies depending on the individual and their health status," he warns.

This depends on the individual and the conditions. According to the doctor, “the beach can be more challenging due to the intense heat and humidity, which can aggravate dehydration or cardiovascular stress. In the mountains,” he continues, “the altitude can temporarily raise blood pressure, but the fresh air and lower humidity can be beneficial for some. From a cardiovascular perspective, the most important thing is to choose a location where you can maintain healthy habits (hydration, balanced diet, moderate activity) and avoid extremes (very high heat or altitude).”

What you do matters more than where you do it.

Regardless of whether you're headed to the Mediterranean coast or the Picos de Europa , the doctor focuses on two key factors: summer habits, and adherence to treatment , both of which are closely related.

“ Laxity in routines can influence hypertension. For example, a lack of schedules and routine can lead us to forget to take medication. Furthermore, alcohol consumption and eating out (fried foods, higher consumption of salt or saturated fats, etc.) can also increase blood pressure,” he argues.

Furthermore, "we have not found scientific studies that specify worse adherence to hypertension treatment in the summer, although there is evidence of poor adherence to hypertension treatment in general."

In any case, "we must be alert to possible spikes in blood pressure (which can cause headaches, dizziness, etc.), and to the imbalances that can occur due to a lack of medication," warns the expert, who reminds us that "without adequate medication, dehydration can aggravate blood pressure problems ."

What to do in summer (and the rest of the year)

Therefore, the key to enjoying summer and vacations safely is " maintaining healthy habits , maintaining treatment, and taking precautions against heat and other factors that can upset blood pressure," advises the president of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, who emphasizes that "if you have any specific concerns, it's best to consult your doctor before traveling or changing your routine."

Finally, beyond these general recommendations, the doctor places special emphasis on the following specific tips:

• The most important thing is to take your medication: bring it with you, use reminders or alarms to avoid forgetting, and don't stop treatment without consulting your doctor.
• It is also important to drink enough water to stay well hydrated, especially on hot days, and to control your salt and saturated fat intake (avoid salty snacks and processed foods ), opting for fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Moderate physical activity, such as walking or swimming, is key in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense heat. It's also important to protect yourself from the heat : wear light clothing and avoid the hottest hours of the day.
• You can also monitor your blood pressure: if possible, carry a portable blood pressure monitor to monitor your blood pressure, especially if you change altitude or climate.