Hot Weather Raises Seniors' BP

A recent study shows that highertemperatures can mean higherblood pressure (BP) readings in elderlypatients, while middle-agedpatients experience lower BP readings.Researchers suggest that doctorsshould consider adjusting dosingof BP medication in the summerin patients who reflect thesechanges. The findings of the studywere reported in the December2005 issue of Hypertension.

Researchers tracked the 24-hourBP readings of >6400 people, averageage 59, over a 14-month period.They then correlated thosemeasurements with round-theclockweather reports. When theweather was hot (daytime temperaturesfrom 78ºF to >90ºF), daytimesystolic BP was noticeably lowerthan on cooler days. Hotter nightswere associated with higher BPreadings in patients >65 years ofage, but not in younger patients.