- One in three adults has high blood pressure - dangerous heat
Every third adult in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has high blood pressure, according to figures from the health insurance company Barmer. Extreme temperatures can be dangerous for those with this condition, as they can cause the blood pressure to rise or, conversely, cause the blood vessels to dilate and the blood pressure to drop, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or even heart rhythm disorders. Those taking blood pressure medication should be particularly careful, advises Henning Kutzbach, Barmer's regional manager in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. "A well-managed blood pressure medication regimen can be disrupted during a heatwave." Hyperension patients should monitor their blood pressure regularly during hot weather, and if they notice consistently high or low readings, they should consult a doctor immediately.
According to Barmer, 33.5% of adults in the northeast are affected by high blood pressure, and among those over 50, it's one in two. Barmer has found regional differences in their own study, with the highest prevalence in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, at 37.5%. Nationwide, the figure is 21.7%. Doctors recommend regular exercise, a low-salt diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and weight loss to prevent high blood pressure. If these measures are not effective, medication is usually prescribed.
Barmer has approximately 265,000 insured members in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, representing around 17% of all statutory health insurance members.
During hot weather, hypertenison patients should monitor their blood pressure regularly due to the potential for disruptions in their medication regimen. individuals with high blood pressure, especially those taking medication, should be extra cautious during extreme temperatures as they can influence blood pressure levels.
