July 30, 2025 · 6 min read · By Abigail Leonoras, FNP
High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most common chronic condition we treat at Henderson Primary Care, and Las Vegas adds a twist most BP guides ignore: extreme heat. Here's what living in the Valley does to your numbers, and how we manage it.
What summer heat does to blood pressure
In 110°F weather your blood vessels dilate, you sweat more, and you lose fluid and electrolytes. For some patients that means a lower BP and lightheadedness, especially on diuretics or older blood pressure medications. For others, dehydration raises BP because the kidneys hold onto sodium. Both can land you in the ER if your medication isn't adjusted seasonally.
What we monitor more closely in summer
- Standing blood pressure (orthostatic) to catch drops
- Sodium, potassium, and kidney function on diuretics
- Home BP logs, morning and evening for 7 days, twice a year
- Medication side effects: dizziness, cramping, fatigue
The DASH-style basics that actually work in Las Vegas
- Hydrate intentionally. 80–100 oz of water on hot days, more if you're outdoors. Add electrolytes if you sweat heavily.
- Read sodium labels. Restaurant meals in Vegas routinely contain 2,000+ mg of sodium per plate. Aim for under 2,300 mg per day total.
- Move early or late. Walks before 8 AM or after 7 PM keep you exercising without heat injury.
- Sleep matters. Untreated sleep apnea is one of the biggest hidden causes of resistant hypertension. We'll screen and refer.
- Limit alcohol. 1 drink/day for women, 2 for men, max. Vegas makes this harder, plan for it.
When to come in
- Home BP averaging above 130/80
- Dizziness when standing up
- Headaches with readings above 160/100
- Anything above 180/120 with symptoms, call 911
We offer in-office BP, ambulatory monitoring, lab work, and medication titration, see our hypertension care page for what to expect.