How do elderly people with hypertension spend the hot summer?

For most elderly people with hypertension, summer is a difficult season. Not only does the hot weather and low air pressure cause poor sleep and irritability, but many patients also experience unstable blood pressure, chest tightness and discomfort, and may even develop more serious cardiovascular diseases. Hypertensive patients should pay attention to the following issues during hot weather:

Drink water appropriately. Drink water regularly and pay attention to replenishing water. Even if you don't feel too hot, you should drink water appropriately. Place a water cup by the bed at night so that you can drink water appropriately when you wake up in the middle of the night.

Exercise moderately. Appropriate exercise can improve the regulation of nerves and blood vessels and effectively lower blood pressure. Avoid excessive sweating and excessive activities, because excessive sweating and excessive breathing may cause water loss and easily lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular emergencies.

Pay attention to your diet. Adhere to dietary treatment. In summer, your appetite may decrease. You should pay attention to the combination of meat and vegetables, maintain a diet low in animal fat and rich in vitamins and fiber, and increase the intake of potassium-rich foods (fresh vegetables, fruits, and beans).

Keep a regular schedule. Live a regular life, quit smoking and drinking, and prevent excessive fatigue. Go to bed early and don't stay up late. Take a proper lunch break to make up for the lack of sleep and ensure normal sleep. In the hot summer, you must pay attention to properly adjust the indoor temperature. The room temperature should be kept at 27℃~28℃. It is recommended to ventilate the room frequently and breathe fresh air.

Keep your emotions calm. Tension, irritability, and emotional instability can all increase blood pressure. Patients can try to change their behavior, stay calm and composed, avoid emotional agitation, excessive tension, and anxiety. Develop hobbies and interests to live in the best and most comfortable environment.

Take medication properly. In the summer, some elderly patients who are often worried about their blood pressure will reduce or even stop taking their medication without authorization when they find that their blood pressure has dropped before they take their antihypertensive medication. On the contrary, some patients will immediately increase their medication when they find that their blood pressure has risen. These practices are not advisable. It is necessary to increase or decrease medication properly and appropriately under the guidance of a doctor to avoid the occurrence of serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.