The serious danger of heat stroke

Recently, as I was walking to my car after fishing, I suddenly felt dizzy. I sat down and checked my vital signs using my smart watch.
When I checked my blood pressure (only the D model Huawei watch checks blood pressure, so don’t confuse blood pressure with pulse), I was surprised to see it had dropped dramatically.
I always thought that in hot weather my blood pressure would go up, not down. I realised how confusing and complex our bodies’ reactions to heat can be, especially as we grow older.
It also showed me how dangerous heat stroke can be. Knowing what happens to our bodies in hot weather and how to stay safe can save your life. Heat stroke is a serious health problem that happens when the body gets too hot and can't cool itself down. If not treated quickly, it can cause permanent brain damage, organ failure or even death.
The main signs include a high body temperature, confusion, feeling faint or dizzy, a fast heartbeat, skin that is very red and dry and sometimes seizures or loss of consciousness. Because heat stroke affects vital organs and the brain, immediate medical help is essential.
To prevent heat stroke, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during hot weather or after exercising. Avoid drinks with caffeine because they make dehydration worse. Try to stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day, from about 10 am to 4 pm.
If you have to be outside, wear loose, light-coloured clothing that keeps you cool. Use sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn, which can impair how your body cools itself.
Older people, children and those with health issues are more vulnerable and should be watched carefully during hot weather. If you see someone showing signs of heat stroke, act immediately. Call for emergency help right away. Move the person to a cooler place, ideally indoors with air conditioning.
Remove tight or heavy clothes. Use cool, damp cloths or fans to lower their skin temperature. You can also place ice packs on their neck, underarms and groin to help bring down their body heat. Do not give fluids to someone who is unconscious or unable to swallow, as they could choke.
Interestingly, when people overheat, their blood pressure can fall suddenly, a condition called hypotension. This happens because the body opens blood vessels near the skin to cool down, which lowers blood pressure and reduces blood flow to the brain. This is what caused my dizziness.
Feeling extremely tired during overheating is also common because the body uses a lot of energy trying to cool itself. Sweating causes loss of water and salts, which can also leave you feeling exhausted and weak.
I didn’t realise that heat stroke could be so dangerous. Drinking enough water, staying cool and avoiding the hottest times of the day is good advice. Recognising early signs like dizziness, confusion or excessive sweating and acting quickly is crucial. Always listen to your body, stay safe and seek help immediately if you or someone else shows symptoms of heat stroke.
Being careful can make all the difference in hot weather — trust me, I have figured that out the hard way! As for fishing, I think I’ll hold off until Oman’s temperature decides to take a breather. I don’t catch many fish anyway, so waiting a bit more won’t be such a big loss.