Circulation problems in the heat – what helps?
Circulation problems in hot weather are common, with symptoms like dizziness, weakness or blacking out as early signs. Staying well hydrated, avoiding heat and cooling the body are good preventive measures.
Frequently asked questions on circulation and heat
Typical symptoms include:
- dizziness
- light-headedness
- weakness
- nausea
- a rapid pulse
- pale or clammy skin
- blacking out
It's important to drink regularly, avoid alcohol and stay in the shade or cool rooms during extreme heat. Wearing lightweight clothing and taking breaks during physical activity also help to ease the pressure on your circulation.
Affected persons should immediately move out of the sun and heat and lie down with their legs raised. Applying cool compresses, loosening tight clothing and taking small sips of water can also help. In case of changes in consciousness or loss of consciousness, medical help should be sought at once.
Infants and young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions are especially at risk. Certain medications can also increase the risk of circulation problems in heat.
Why do circulation problems occur in the heat?
When it's very hot outside, the body tries to maintain its normal temperature of around 37 degrees. It does this by releasing heat through the skin and producing sweat. This, however, also affects the cardiovascular system.
How heat affects blood pressure
A key mechanism is the widening of the blood vessels in the skin. This allows more blood to reach the body's surface, where heat can be released. At the same time, less blood is temporarily available in the body's core. The result: blood pressure drops.
If blood pressure drops too much, the brain is briefly under-supplied with blood. This leads to the typical symptoms of dizziness or fainting. In addition, the body loses fluids and salts through sweating. Blood volume decreases and the heart has to work harder to keep supplying the body with blood and oxygen.
Symptoms of circulation problems
Typical signs of circulation problems include:
- weakness
- light-headedness
- pale, clammy skin
- nausea
- fast pulse
- dizziness
- blacking out
Beware of heat stroke
Heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, which is dangerous. When this happens, an emergency doctor must always be called. With heatstroke, the body can no longer regulate its temperature sufficiently. Typical symptoms include a very high body temperature, seizures, confusion or loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is often confused with sunstroke. But sunstroke occurs when the head and neck have been exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
Preventing a circulatory collapse
- Drink little and often: This is usually milder on your circulation and easier to tolerate than large amounts at once.
- Avoid ice-cold drinks: They can upset the stomach and prompt the body to generate even more heat.
- Replenish electrolytes: Mineral water, diluted fruit juices or lightly salted foods help replace what's lost through sweating.
- Abstain from alcohol: Alcohol can increase fluid loss and trigger circulation problems.
- Keep your home cool: Keep windows, blinds or shutters closed during the day and ventilate in the evening, at night or early morning. During peak heat, stay indoors or in the shade.
- Avoid heavy and rich food: It's better to eat only small portions and opt for easily digestible foods or cold dishes.
- Cool the body: Running cool water over your wrists is an efficient way to lower body temperature. Arm and foot baths or cooling towels and compresses are also refreshing.
- Clothing and sun protection: Light, loose, breathable clothing helps the body release heat. A hat provides additional protection from direct sun.
- Avoid physical exertion: Sport, gardening and other strenuous activities put extra pressure on your circulation. If unavoidable, schedule them for early morning or evening, stay in the shade and take regular breaks with plenty of fluids.
How to treat circulation problems
If you spot early signs of a circulatory collapse, take the following steps:
- Get out of the sun and heat.
- Lie down and elevate the legs.
- Loosen or remove tight, sweaty clothing.
- Splash or spray face, neck and body with cool water.
- Drink water only in sips.
- If symptoms don't improve, or in case of fainting or suspected heatstroke, seek medical help immediately. In Switzerland, call 144; across Europe, call 112.
These are the risk groups
Heat can also cause healthy people to suffer. At greatest risk, however, are those whose ability to regulate body temperature is reduced.
Infants and small children
Because of their smaller skin surface, babies and toddlers can release less heat through sweating and are therefore more likely to overheat. They may also not clearly express thirst or discomfort. Early signs such as restlessness, unusual fatigue, flushed skin or changes in drinking behaviour should be taken seriously.
Pregnancy and heat
Heat can place additional pressure on the body during pregnancy. The circulatory system is already working harder, fluid requirements increase and blood pressure may drop more easily. Pregnant women should therefore take warning signs such as heavy sweating or dizziness seriously.
People with chronic conditions and older adults
High temperatures can worsen chronic conditions – particularly cardiovascular or kidney disease, as well as diabetes – and may also increase the risk of kidney problems. Fluid intake shouldn't simply be increased without guidance but discussed with a medical professional. In older adults, both temperature regulation and the sensation of thirst are often reduced.
Medication and heat: what to watch for
Some medications can put additional pressure on the circulation in hot weather, for example through dehydration, changes in blood pressure or direct effects on temperature regulation. This particularly applies to certain blood pressure medications, heart drugs and psychotropic medicines. Anyone taking these regularly should seek medical advice during prolonged heat and should never stop or adjust them on their own initiative.
Storing medication correctly
Many medicines should be stored in a cool, dry place. "Room temperature" generally means no more than 25 degrees – a level that can quickly be exceeded indoors during prolonged hot spells. Bathrooms, kitchens and cars aren't suitable due to fluctuating temperatures. Particularly heat-sensitive products include insulin, drops, sprays, suppositories, creams and ointments.
Caution when jumping into cold water
Jumping into cold water when overheated triggers a stress reaction in the body. With extreme temperature differences, blood vessels constrict suddenly and pulse and blood pressure can react sharply. In the worst case, this can lead to cold shock, fainting or even a heart attack. For this reason, the Swiss Lifesaving Society advises people to enter cold water slowly or to shower beforehand. This gives the body a chance to adjust.
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