Heatwave Health Guide: Everything you need to know to stay healthy in hot weather
A practical patient guide from London Private Ultrasound
Last updated: June 2026 | Patient information from London Private Ultrasound
Quick Summary
A heatwave is not just uncomfortable weather. High temperatures can place real pressure on the body, especially the heart, circulation system, kidneys, brain, lungs and fluid balance. During hot weather, the body sweats more, loses salt and water, the heart may beat faster, blood pressure may change, and the kidneys may produce less urine to preserve fluid.
Most people can stay well by drinking regularly, keeping cool, avoiding peak heat, wearing loose clothing, and checking on vulnerable relatives or neighbours. However, symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, palpitations, reduced urination, dark urine, swollen legs, abdominal pain, kidney pain, confusion or severe weakness should not be ignored.
Heat exhaustion can often improve with cooling and fluids within 30 minutes. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires 999.
A heatwave may also reveal underlying health problems, especially in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, urinary problems, pregnancy-related concerns, previous abnormal blood tests or unexplained swelling. In these cases, a targeted health check, blood test, ECG, heart check, kidney ultrasound or abdominal ultrasound may be useful once urgent causes have been excluded.
Why Heatwaves Matter for Your Health
Many people think of heatwaves as a comfort issue, but medically they can affect almost every major system in the body.
During hot weather, your body tries to keep its internal temperature stable. It does this by sweating and by sending more blood to the skin to release heat. This is why you may feel flushed, sweaty, tired or light-headed.
However, this process requires fluid, salt balance and cardiovascular effort. When temperatures stay high for several days, especially when nights are also warm, your body may not recover properly between days. This increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and worsening of existing medical conditions.
Concerned about symptoms during or after a heatwave?
What Happens to the Body During a Heatwave?
During hot weather:
- You sweat more and lose fluid.
- You lose salts and electrolytes.
- Your blood vessels widen to release heat.
- Your heart may beat faster.
- Your blood pressure may fall or fluctuate.
- Your kidneys conserve water, so you may urinate less.
- Your urine may become darker and more concentrated.
- You may feel dizzy, weak or faint.
- Existing heart, kidney, lung or neurological conditions may worsen.
For healthy adults, these changes may be manageable. For vulnerable people, they can become dangerous.
Useful health checks if symptoms continue:
Who Is Most at Risk During a Heatwave?
Anyone can become unwell in hot weather, but some people are more vulnerable.
Higher-risk groups include:
- Older adults, especially over 65
- Babies and young children
- Pregnant women
- People with heart disease
- People with high blood pressure
- People with kidney disease
- People with diabetes
- People with lung disease, including asthma or COPD
- People with dementia or reduced mobility
- People with severe mental health conditions
- People taking diuretics or certain blood pressure medicines
- People taking medicines that affect sweating, hydration or body temperature
- Outdoor workers
- Athletes or people exercising in hot weather
- People living in overheated homes
- People living alone
- People who drink excessive alcohol
If you or someone close to you is in one of these groups, prevention matters before symptoms start.
Book a structured preventive health screening package:
Common Heatwave Symptoms
Symptoms of heat-related illness may include:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Thirst
- Muscle cramps
- Irritability
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling faint
- Reduced urination
- Dark urine
- Hot skin
- Confusion
- Poor coordination
- Collapse
- Seizure
Mild symptoms may improve with cooling and fluids. Severe symptoms, confusion, collapse or symptoms that do not improve quickly need urgent medical advice.
Book private blood tests if you are worried about dehydration, kidney function, liver function, diabetes risk or electrolyte balance:
Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens when the body becomes too hot and loses too much water and salt.
Symptoms may include tiredness, dizziness, headache, feeling sick, vomiting, heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, muscle cramps, high temperature, intense thirst and irritability.
Heat exhaustion should improve with cooling and fluids within around 30 minutes.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is much more serious. It happens when the body can no longer cool itself properly and the body temperature becomes dangerously high.
Symptoms may include very high temperature, hot skin that may not be sweating, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, confusion, poor coordination, seizure or loss of consciousness.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Key Difference
Heat exhaustion can often improve with cooling and fluids within around 30 minutes. Heatstroke is more serious and may cause confusion, collapse, seizure or loss of consciousness.
If heatstroke is suspected, call 999 immediately.
What to Do Immediately If Someone Has Heat Exhaustion
Follow this action plan:
- Move them to a cooler place.
- Remove unnecessary clothing such as jackets, socks or extra layers.
- Give cool water to drink.
- Use an oral rehydration drink if available.
- Cool the skin with a spray, sponge, damp cloth or cool shower.
- Use cold packs wrapped in cloth under the armpits or around the neck.
- Fan the person if possible.
- Stay with them until they improve.
They should start to feel better within 30 minutes.
When to Contact NHS 111
Contact NHS 111 online or call 111 if:
- You have symptoms of heat exhaustion and are struggling to treat them.
- Symptoms are not improving with rest, cooling and fluids.
- You feel very weak, dizzy or faint but are still conscious and alert.
- You have vomiting and cannot keep fluids down.
- You are passing much less urine than usual.
- Your urine is very dark and you feel unwell.
- You have heat-related symptoms and are elderly, pregnant, diabetic, have kidney disease or heart disease.
- You are unsure whether symptoms are mild or serious.
- You have new swelling, palpitations, urinary symptoms or abdominal pain that is not severe but needs advice.
- A child, older adult or vulnerable person seems unwell in hot weather.
111 can advise whether you need pharmacy advice, GP assessment, urgent care or emergency care.
When to Call 999
Call 999 immediately if you or someone else has signs of heatstroke or a medical emergency.
Call 999 if there is:
- Still feeling very unwell after 30 minutes of cooling and fluids
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure or fit
- Very high temperature
- Hot skin that is not sweating
- Fast breathing or severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Chest pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw or back
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Blue, grey or very pale lips or skin
- Collapse
- Signs of stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe dehydration with drowsiness or confusion
- One-sided painful leg swelling with chest pain or breathlessness
- Reduced fetal movements in pregnancy
Do not drive yourself to A&E if you think it may be an emergency.
Proper Heatwave Prevention Strategies
1. Keep Out of Peak Heat
Try to stay out of direct sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV and heat exposure are usually strongest.
Plan essential travel, exercise and errands for early morning or evening.
2. Keep Your Home Cool
During the day:
- Close curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows.
- Keep windows closed if outside air is hotter than inside.
- Use fans safely.
- Avoid using ovens for long periods.
- Move to the coolest room if possible.
At night:
- Open windows when outdoor temperature drops.
- Use light bedding.
- Keep water near the bed.
- Use a cool shower before sleep if needed.
3. Drink Regularly
Do not wait until you are very thirsty.
Aim to drink regularly throughout the day. A useful sign of hydration is pale straw-coloured urine.
Water is usually best. You can also use diluted squash or low-sugar drinks. Avoid too much alcohol because it increases dehydration risk.
People with heart failure, kidney disease or fluid restriction should follow their doctor’s advice about safe fluid intake.
4. Replace Salt Carefully
Heavy sweating can lead to salt loss. Some people may benefit from oral rehydration solutions, especially after vomiting, diarrhoea or heavy sweating.
However, people with high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease should be cautious with salty drinks and seek advice.
5. Wear the Right Clothing
Choose:
- Light-coloured clothes
- Loose-fitting clothes
- Breathable fabrics
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen on exposed skin
6. Avoid Strenuous Activity
Avoid heavy exercise in the hottest part of the day.
For exercise:
- Train early morning or late evening.
- Reduce intensity.
- Take more breaks.
- Drink before, during and after activity.
- Stop if you feel dizzy, nauseous or unusually weak.
Children should avoid strenuous outdoor activity during very hot weather.
7. Check Your Medicines
Continue prescribed medication unless told otherwise by a medical professional.
However, some medicines may increase heat sensitivity, dehydration risk or dizziness. These may include some diuretics, blood pressure medicines, diabetes medicines, antidepressants, antipsychotics and medicines affecting kidney function.
Ask your GP or pharmacist for advice if you are concerned.
Also store medicines correctly. Some medicines must be kept below a certain temperature or refrigerated.
8. Protect Vulnerable People
Check on:
- Older relatives
- People living alone
- Pregnant women
- People with mobility problems
- People with dementia
- People with heart, kidney or lung disease
- Babies and young children
A short phone call can prevent a serious health problem.
9. Avoid Alcohol Excess
Alcohol increases dehydration risk, affects judgement and can make overheating more likely.
During a heatwave, choose alcohol-free options or alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
10. Watch Urine Output
A simple daily sign of hydration is urine colour and frequency.
Seek medical advice if you notice:
- Passing much less urine than usual
- Very dark urine
- Pain when passing urine
- Blood in urine
- Fever with urinary symptoms
- Flank or kidney pain
Heatwave and the Heart
Hot weather can increase cardiovascular strain. The heart may beat faster to circulate blood to the skin and help the body cool down.
This can make some patients notice:
- Palpitations
- Faster pulse
- Light-headedness
- Breathlessness
- Lower blood pressure
- Worsening angina
- Swollen ankles
People with high blood pressure, heart failure, arrhythmia, valve disease or previous heart problems should be more cautious.
Seek urgent help if you have chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or palpitations with dizziness.
Heatwave and Blood Pressure
Heat can cause blood vessels to widen. This may lower blood pressure and make people feel dizzy, especially when standing up quickly.
Dehydration can also reduce circulating blood volume, increasing the risk of fainting.
People taking blood pressure medication may notice more dizziness in hot weather. Do not stop medication yourself. Speak to a GP or pharmacist if symptoms continue.
Heatwave and Swollen Legs or Ankles
Mild swelling in both ankles can happen in hot weather because blood vessels widen and fluid pools in the lower legs.
However, swelling is not always harmless.
Seek urgent advice if swelling is:
- One-sided
- Painful
- Associated with calf tenderness
- Red, blue, darkened or warm
- Associated with shortness of breath
- Associated with chest pain
One-sided painful swelling may suggest a blood clot and needs urgent assessment.
Heatwave and Kidney Health
The kidneys are highly sensitive to hydration.
During a heatwave, dehydration may:
- Reduce urine output
- Concentrate urine
- Increase kidney stone risk
- Affect kidney function blood tests
- Worsen existing kidney disease
- Increase risk when combined with vomiting, diarrhoea or certain medicines
Seek medical advice if you have flank pain, blood in urine, fever, reduced urination or known kidney disease.
Heatwave and Kidney Stones
Hot weather can increase sweating. If fluid is not replaced, urine becomes more concentrated. Concentrated urine can increase the chance of minerals forming crystals and stones.
Possible kidney stone symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the side or back
- Pain coming in waves
- Pain moving towards the groin
- Blood in urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Urinary frequency or urgency
Seek urgent medical advice if pain is severe, you have fever, cannot pass urine, or you feel very unwell.
A kidney, bladder and urinary tract ultrasound may help assess kidney swelling, stones, bladder emptying and structural urinary tract problems.
Heatwave and Abdominal Symptoms
Hot weather itself does not usually cause serious abdominal disease, but it can make symptoms more noticeable.
Abdominal symptoms during summer may relate to:
- Dehydration
- Constipation
- Gastroenteritis
- Food poisoning
- Gallstones
- Kidney stones
- Urinary infection
- Liver or gallbladder problems
- Gynaecological causes
- Existing bowel conditions
Persistent or severe abdominal pain should not be blamed only on heat.
Seek urgent help if abdominal pain is severe, worsening, associated with fever, vomiting, fainting, yellow eyes, black stools, blood in stool, pregnancy or chest pain.
An abdominal ultrasound may help assess the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, spleen, visible pancreas and abdominal aorta.
Heatwave and Pregnancy
Pregnant women may be more vulnerable to heat because pregnancy already increases blood volume, circulation demands and body temperature regulation.
During hot weather, pregnant women should:
- Drink regularly.
- Avoid overheating.
- Stay in shade.
- Rest in cool rooms.
- Avoid strenuous activity.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Contact maternity services if concerned.
Seek urgent maternity advice for:
- Reduced fetal movements
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe headache
- Visual disturbance
- Swelling with headache or high blood pressure concerns
- Fainting
- Fever
- Feeling seriously unwell
Heatwave and Diabetes
People with diabetes may be at higher risk during heatwaves because dehydration can affect blood sugar control. Some medications and insulin storage may also be affected by heat.
Diabetes-related precautions include:
- Drink regularly.
- Monitor blood glucose as advised.
- Store insulin and medications correctly.
- Avoid prolonged direct heat.
- Seek advice if vomiting, dehydrated or sugars are unusually high or low.
- Watch for urinary symptoms, fatigue and confusion.
Heatwave and Older Adults
Older adults may not feel thirst as strongly and may have reduced ability to regulate temperature.
Warning signs in older adults include:
- New confusion
- Unusual sleepiness
- Reduced urine output
- Dizziness
- Falls
- Weakness
- Poor appetite
- Worsening breathlessness
- Collapse
Families should check on older relatives during hot weather, especially if they live alone.
Heatwave and Children
Children can overheat quickly.
Watch for:
- Unusual tiredness
- Irritability
- Fewer wet nappies
- Dry mouth
- Sunken eyes
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Very hot skin
- Confusion or unusual behaviour
Never leave a child in a parked car, even briefly.
Heatwave and Summer Health MOT
A heatwave does not mean everyone needs medical tests. However, hot weather can expose symptoms that deserve proper assessment.
You may benefit from a summer health MOT if you have:
- Recurrent dizziness
- Palpitations
- High blood pressure concerns
- Swollen ankles or legs
- Reduced urine output
- Dark urine
- Kidney pain
- Recurrent urinary symptoms
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Fatigue or weakness
- Diabetes risk
- Known kidney disease
- Known heart disease
- Abnormal previous blood tests
- Concern about dehydration or electrolyte balance
A health MOT is especially useful when symptoms are ongoing, recurrent or unexplained.
What Can London Private Ultrasound Check?
At London Private Ultrasound, our summer health check pathways may include:
Full Health MOT
A broader health assessment for patients who want a structured review including blood tests, ultrasound and GP review.
Book a Full Health MOTAdvanced Health MOT With Senior GP
Suitable for patients wanting a coordinated assessment with senior GP consultation, blood tests and ultrasound.
Book an Advanced Health MOTPrivate Blood Tests
Useful for checking kidney function, electrolytes, liver function, diabetes markers, inflammation, cholesterol and general health markers.
Book Private Blood TestsKidney, Bladder and Urinary Tract Ultrasound
Useful for kidney pain, suspected stones, recurrent urinary symptoms, reduced urine concerns, hydronephrosis, cysts and bladder emptying assessment.
Book a Kidney, Bladder and Urinary Tract Ultrasound ScanKidney Health Check Package
Useful for patients who want a combined assessment of kidney function, urinary tract health, blood tests and imaging.
Book a Kidney Health Check PackageAbdominal Ultrasound
Useful for persistent abdominal pain, gallbladder symptoms, liver concerns, fatty liver, abnormal liver blood tests, kidney concerns and upper abdominal symptoms.
Book an Abdominal Ultrasound ScanAbdominal and Urinary Tract Ultrasound
Useful when both abdominal organs and kidneys/bladder/urinary tract need assessment in one scan.
Book an Abdominal and Urinary Tract Ultrasound ScanLiver Ultrasound and Liver Health Check
Useful for abnormal liver blood tests, fatty liver concerns, right upper abdominal symptoms, gallbladder-related symptoms and liver health assessment.
Heart Health Check
Useful for selected patients with palpitations, blood pressure concerns, breathlessness, cardiovascular risk factors or general heart health concerns.
Book a Heart Health CheckECG
Useful for assessing heart rhythm, especially if palpitations or an irregular heartbeat are present during the test.
Book a Private ECGEchocardiogram
Useful where clinically appropriate to assess heart structure, pumping function and valves.
Book an EchocardiogramDVT Doppler Ultrasound
Useful where clinically appropriate for suspected deep vein thrombosis, especially if there is one-sided painful leg swelling, calf tenderness or swelling after travel or immobility.
Book a DVT Doppler Ultrasound ScanImportant: private health checks are not a replacement for emergency care. If symptoms suggest heatstroke, heart attack, stroke, severe dehydration, severe abdominal pain or a blood clot with chest pain or breathlessness, call 999.
50 Common Heatwave Health Questions
1. How does a heatwave affect your body?
A heatwave makes your body work harder to cool itself. You sweat more, lose fluid and salt, your heart may beat faster, and your kidneys may produce less urine.
Useful check if symptoms continue: Full Health MOT
2. What are the first signs of heat exhaustion?
Early signs include tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating, thirst, cramps and feeling weak or faint.
3. How can I tell if I am dehydrated?
You may feel thirsty, dizzy, tired, have a dry mouth, pass urine less often or notice dark urine.
Check hydration-related blood markers: Private Blood Tests
4. When does heat exhaustion become heatstroke?
It becomes dangerous if symptoms do not improve after cooling and fluids within around 30 minutes, or if confusion, seizure, collapse or very high temperature develops.
5. Who is most at risk during a heatwave?
Older adults, babies, pregnant women, people with heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, lung disease, dementia, mobility problems and those taking certain medicines are at higher risk.
6. How much water should I drink?
Drink regularly enough to avoid thirst and keep urine pale. People with heart failure, kidney disease or fluid restriction should follow medical advice.
7. Can hot weather affect blood pressure?
Yes. Heat can lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels and causing fluid loss. Some people may feel dizzy or faint.
8. Why do I feel dizzy in hot weather?
Common reasons include dehydration, low blood pressure, overheating, missed meals, alcohol, medication effects or heat exhaustion.
9. Can heat make medical conditions worse?
Yes. Heat can worsen heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, lung disease and some neurological conditions.
10. What should I do if I feel unwell?
Move to a cool place, drink fluids, remove extra clothing and cool your skin. Contact 111 if symptoms are difficult to manage.
11. Can extreme heat increase heart problems?
Yes. Heat increases strain on the heart, especially in people with existing heart disease.
12. Why does my heart beat faster in hot weather?
The heart pumps more blood to the skin to help release heat. Dehydration can also increase heart rate.
13. Should people with high blood pressure take extra care?
Yes. Keep cool, hydrate safely, avoid overexertion and seek advice if dizzy, faint or worried about medication.
14. Can hot weather cause swollen legs?
Yes, mild bilateral ankle swelling can occur. One-sided painful swelling needs urgent assessment.
15. Can dehydration affect the kidneys?
Yes. Severe dehydration can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and worsen kidney function.
16. Does hot weather increase kidney stone risk?
Yes. Sweating without enough fluid can concentrate urine and increase stone risk.
17. Why am I urinating less?
Your body may conserve water during heat. Very low urine output or dark urine with feeling unwell needs advice.
18. Can hot weather worsen urinary symptoms?
Yes. Concentrated urine may irritate the bladder and make burning, urgency or frequency more noticeable.
19. Can an ultrasound help with kidney pain?
Yes. Kidney and urinary tract ultrasound can assess stones, swelling, cysts, obstruction and bladder emptying.
20. Can heat affect pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnant women may be more prone to dehydration, dizziness and swelling. Reduced fetal movements need urgent maternity advice.
21. Can hot weather make abdominal pain worse?
It can make symptoms more noticeable, but persistent abdominal pain should not be blamed only on heat.
22. Can dehydration cause constipation?
Yes. Low fluid intake can make stools harder and constipation more likely.
23. When should abdominal pain be urgent?
Severe pain, fever, vomiting, fainting, yellow eyes, blood in stool, black stools or pregnancy-related pain should be assessed urgently.
24. Can heat make gallbladder symptoms worse?
Heat does not directly cause gallstones, but dehydration, travel and fatty meals may make symptoms more noticeable.
25. What health checks are useful during a heatwave?
Blood pressure, pulse, kidney function, electrolytes, urine test, ECG, abdominal ultrasound, kidney ultrasound or heart check may be useful depending on symptoms.
26. Should I get checked for unexplained swelling?
Yes, especially if swelling is new, one-sided, painful or associated with breathlessness or chest pain.
27. Can ultrasound check for DVT?
A venous Doppler ultrasound can assess for DVT when clinically indicated. Suspected DVT should be assessed urgently.
28. Should I call 111 for possible DVT?
Yes. If you think you have DVT, contact 111 or request urgent medical assessment. Call 999 if there is leg swelling with chest pain or breathlessness.
29. Can heat cause palpitations?
Yes. Heat, dehydration, caffeine, alcohol and anxiety can trigger or worsen palpitations.
30. When are palpitations urgent?
Seek urgent help if palpitations are associated with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness or feeling very unwell.
31. Can heat affect diabetes?
Yes. Dehydration can affect blood sugar control, and heat can affect medication storage.
32. Can heat affect older people more?
Yes. Older adults may not feel thirst as strongly and may overheat more easily.
33. Can children overheat quickly?
Yes. Children are more vulnerable and need regular fluids, shade and supervision.
34. Should I exercise during a heatwave?
Avoid strenuous exercise during peak heat. Exercise early or late, reduce intensity and stop if unwell.
35. Should I avoid alcohol?
Yes, or reduce it significantly. Alcohol increases dehydration risk.
36. Can caffeine make symptoms worse?
Large amounts may worsen palpitations or sleep problems. Moderate intake is usually acceptable for many people.
37. Can heat affect sleep?
Yes. Warm nights reduce sleep quality and can worsen fatigue, irritability and health symptoms.
38. Can heat cause headaches?
Yes. Dehydration, sun exposure, poor sleep and heat exhaustion can cause headaches. Severe or unusual headache needs medical advice.
39. Can heat cause nausea?
Yes. Feeling sick is common in heat exhaustion. Vomiting increases dehydration risk.
40. What urine colour is normal?
Pale yellow is usually a good sign. Dark yellow, amber or brown urine may suggest dehydration or another issue.
41. Can hot weather cause fainting?
Yes. Heat can lower blood pressure and dehydration can reduce circulation to the brain.
42. What should I do if someone faints?
Lay them down, raise their legs, cool them and seek help if they do not recover quickly or have chest pain, breathlessness, injury or confusion.
43. Can heat make asthma worse?
Hot weather, air pollution and pollen can worsen breathing symptoms in some people.
44. Can heat affect medicines?
Yes. Some medicines increase heat sensitivity or dehydration risk. Some also need careful storage.
45. Should I stop medication in a heatwave?
No. Continue prescribed medicines unless a clinician advises otherwise.
46. Can heat cause confusion?
Yes. Confusion can be a sign of heatstroke, severe dehydration or serious illness and needs urgent assessment.
47. What should I do for a vulnerable person in heat?
Check they are drinking, staying cool, passing urine, eating lightly and not becoming confused or unusually weak.
48. Is a preventive health screening useful in extreme heat?
It can be useful for people with risk factors or ongoing symptoms, but it should not delay emergency care.
49. Can an abdominal ultrasound detect heat-related illness?
No. Ultrasound does not diagnose heat exhaustion. It can help investigate persistent abdominal pain, gallbladder symptoms, kidney pain or structural concerns revealed during hot weather.
50. When should I book a clinic appointment?
Book a non-emergency appointment if symptoms are persistent, recurrent or unexplained, such as ongoing dizziness, palpitations, urinary symptoms, kidney pain, abdominal pain, swelling or abnormal blood tests.
Patient Safety Message
Most heat-related symptoms improve with cooling, rest and fluids. However, heatstroke, heart symptoms, severe dehydration, suspected blood clots, severe abdominal pain and pregnancy-related concerns can be serious.
Use this simple rule:
- Mild symptoms and you need advice: contact NHS 111.
- Severe symptoms, confusion, collapse, chest pain, severe breathlessness, seizure or suspected heatstroke: call 999.
- Persistent symptoms after the heatwave: consider a proper medical review and targeted health check.
Call to Action
Feeling unusually tired, dizzy, dehydrated, swollen or unwell after the heat?
London Private Ultrasound offers private health checks, blood tests, ECG, heart health assessments and ultrasound scans to help investigate persistent symptoms safely and quickly.
You may benefit from a summer health MOT if you have:
- Ongoing dizziness or faintness
- Palpitations
- Blood pressure concerns
- Kidney pain or urinary symptoms
- Reduced urination or dark urine
- Swollen legs or ankles
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Previous abnormal kidney, liver or heart blood tests
- Diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular risk factors
- A desire for a structured preventive health review
For urgent or severe symptoms, call 111 or 999 as appropriate before booking a private appointment.
References Used
This article was prepared using guidance and information from:
- NHS England: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
- NHS England: Heatwave advice and coping in hot weather
- UK Health Security Agency / GOV.UK: Beat the Heat guidance
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries: dehydration-related assessment, chest pain, suspected DVT and renal/ureteric colic topics
- NHS: Heart attack symptoms and emergency advice
- NHS: Deep vein thrombosis symptoms and urgent advice
- London Private Ultrasound service information