Pharmacists – Are Your Customers Ready For Extreme Heat?

3 min read

Nov 10, 2025 9:38:24 AM

Illustrated warning sign with an orange and red background showing a sun symbol inside a triangle and bold text reading ‘Heatwave Warning.

When summer temperatures soar, as they have done in the UK this year, our bodies face additional pressure to stay cool and balanced. For pharmacists, this is a critical time of year to engage with customers about the health impacts of extreme heat, focusing particularly on blood pressure management and hydration.

Heatwaves, Hydration, And Blood Pressure

Heatwaves are defined by the Met Office as a period of three or more consecutive days where the temperature exceeds 26°C to 28°C or more, depending on the region (each region has different temperature thresholds, e.g. for London and the South-East it is 28°C, for the Midlands and East of England 27°C, and Wales 26°C – these thresholds are based on historic climate data and regional seasonal averages.)

While many people enjoy warm and hot weather, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate itself, increasing the risk of dehydration and fluctuations in blood pressure. This can put people with pre-existing health conditions, as well as vulnerable individuals and the elderly, at a greater risk of heat -related illnesses.

Extreme heat and humidity can quickly dehydrate the body, even if you’re not exercising or spending extended time outdoors. And when dehydration sets in, the volume of fluid in your blood decreases, causing your heart to pump harder to maintain circulation. This can cause your blood pressure to rise (hypertension) or fall (hypotension), depending on your health status and hydration levels. For customers with a pre-existing health condition such as cardiovascular disease or kidney disease, this fluctuation can be especially dangerous. Likewise, medications that increase urination or affect hydration, such as blood pressure medication or diuretics, can exacerbate the issue.

So, what can pharmacists do to help prevent heat-related complications among their customers?

1. Encourage good hydration

Dehydration is the first and most significant concern during a heatwave, so remind your customers about the importance of staying hydrated and provide them with actionable advice, such as:

Drink more water – encourage drinking water consistently throughout the day, even when not actively thirsty. The NHS recommends an adult generally needs 2 to 3 L of water each day, but more is required during severe heat.
Avoid dehydrating beverages – suggest limiting intake of alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, as well as sugary beverages, as these can worsen hydration.
Eat more hydrating foods – eating more fruits and vegetables with a high water content, such as watermelons, cucumbers, oranges, and courgettes, can offset the effects of dehydration.

In some cases, oral rehydration salts (electrolytes) can be promoted as a remedy for customers who experience significant fluid loss, and they can also be helpful for those suffering from heat-related fatigue.

2. Educate on the signs of dehydration

Many people don’t realise they are dehydrated until the symptoms become extreme, so it’s worthwhile educating customers on the early indicators of dehydration. These include:

Dark yellow urine
Feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness
Dry mouth or throat
Fatigue or weakness
Muscle cramps
Headache

In many people, dehydration symptoms may be subtle or not present at all, so it’s important to encourage monitoring and for the customer to take action at the earliest signs.

3. Stress the importance of blood pressure monitoring

Pharmacists can inform customers about the risks that dehydration and heat pose to blood pressure stability. This is particularly important for customers with existing hypertension or hypotension disorders, and for those using medications that could affect their blood pressure. Highlight the role of routine blood pressure monitoring, especially if customers experience symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or unexpected headaches during heatwaves.

A cost-effective way for customers to keep on top of their blood pressure is to use a reliable and easy-to-use device such as our SureSign blood pressure monitor. This provides accurate readings quickly, while tracking blood-pressure trends over time and supporting informed decisions about hydration or medical attention.

Find out more

Promoting devices that empower customers to take a more active role in their health allows pharmacies to bridge the gap between formal medical care and customer-centric action. If you would like to find out more about the SureSign blood pressure monitor and how it can help promote safety and wellness for your customers during hot summer weather, please contact one of our team today by clicking here.

Topics: Blood Pressure Monitors