A glass of water seems harmless, but during periods of extreme heat, it can become a real point of vigilance for people with hypertension. Dehydration, excess sodium or interaction with certain medications: summer requires certain precautions to avoid variations in blood pressure. Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, reminds us that we must hydrate “without overloading the body“. Heatwave episodes accentuate the risks, particularly in patients treated for hypertension, who must maintain a good fluid balance while avoiding certain pitfalls.
What drinks should you prefer in case of high blood pressure during hot weather?
For the doctor, “the objective, in these months of high heat, is to maintain optimal hydration without disturbing blood pressure balance“. He emphasizes that “dehydration can paradoxically raise blood pressure by concentrating the blood, while excess sodium can have the same effect.“
Antihypertensive treatments also require special attention.”Diuretics increase fluid loss, ACE inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) can cause a drop in blood pressure in the event of dehydration, and certain beta-blockers reduce the ability to thermoregulate. Increased monitoring is therefore necessary during heatwave episodes.“
Regarding drinks, here is what Dr. Kierzek recommends:
- Water: “It must be natural and lightly mineralized, with a dry residue of less than 500 mg/L. Avoid waters very high in sodium such as certain carbonated waters. Favor lightly mineralized waters or those rich in magnesium and potassium, which are beneficial for blood pressure.” ;
- Homemade infusions:Herbal teas made from verbena, chamomile or mint, without added sugars, bring variety and freshness. Some plants like hibiscus even have mild hypotensive properties according to some studies.” ;
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Cold and light broths: “Vegetable gazpachos without added salt and cooled vegetable broths allow you to combine hydration and intake of potassium, a mineral ‘friendly’ to hypertensive people.“
Drinks to (absolutely) limit
Dr. Gérald Kierzek also warns against several drinks often consumed during the summer:
- Sodas:Their high sodium and sugar content can cause blood pressure to soar. A can of soda sometimes contains the equivalent of 40 mg of sodium, or 2% of the recommended daily intake.” ;
- Alcohol is also not recommended, because it promotes dehydration and can interact with treatments prescribed for hypertension: “Its regular consumption is directly linked to blood pressure elevation.” ;
- Energy drinks:The caffeine-taurine-sodium mixture is a real explosive cocktail for blood pressure. To be formally banned” ;
- Certain mineral waters very rich in sodium: “Vichy Célestins (1,100 mg sodium/L) or Saint-Yorre (1,700 mg/L) should be avoided. Prefer Hépar, Contrex or Évian.“
How much to drink per day when you suffer from hypertension?
Finally, the specialist advises spreading your water intake throughout the day: “Allow around 2.5 liters per day during normal periods, up to 3-3.5 liters in hot weather. Watch out for signs of dehydration: fatigue, headaches, dizziness, which can mask a hypertensive outbreak.“
He also recommends checking your blood pressure more frequently during heatwaves and adapting your fluid intake with the advice of your doctor. Dr. Gérald Kierzek finally recalls that “some patients may require a temporary adjustment to their treatment.“