Heat Stroke
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD
Medical Editors: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, Dennis Lee, MD
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How to Recognize a Heat–Related Illness
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
 During a heat wave, it's important to know and be able to
recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness. There are different
types of heat-related illnesses, ranging from those that cause temporary
discomfort to the generally fatal condition known as heat stroke. In all heat-related
illnesses, the symptoms appear when a person is exposed to extreme temperatures.
The following checklist can help you recognize the symptoms of heat-related
illnesses:
- Heat Rash: Heat rash is a
skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can
occur at any age but is most common in young children. Heat rash looks like a
red cluster of pimples or small
blisters.
- Heat cramps: A person who has been exercising or participating in
other types of strenuous activity in the heat may develop painful muscle
spasms in the arms, legs, or abdomen referred to as
heat rash. The body
temperature is usually normal, and the skin will feel moist and cool, but
sweaty.
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What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia,
an abnormally
elevated body temperature
with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms.
Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two forms of hyperthermia
that are less severe,
heat stroke is a true
medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated.
The body normally generates heat as a result of
metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through
the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous
exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the
body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106°F (41.1°C) or higher.
Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able
to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to
rise.
Those most susceptible to heart strokes include:
- infants,
- the elderly (often with associated
heart diseases, lung diseases,
kidney diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to heat
strokes),
- athletes, and
- outdoor workers physically exerting themselves under the sun.
What are heat stroke symptoms?
Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of
heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms
of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes.
Symptoms of
heat exhaustion include:
However, some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and
rapidly without warning.
Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heat stroke. But
common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include:
- high body temperature
- the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry
skin
- rapid pulse
- difficulty breathing
- strange behavior
- hallucinations
- confusion
- agitation
- disorientation
- seizure
- coma
Next: How do you treat a heat stroke victim? »
- Electrolytes - Read about blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicorbonate) and the effects of electrolyte imbalances like kidney failure, low blood pressure, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.
- Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.
- Dehydration - Read about dehydration (definition: excessive water loss) in children, treatment, symptoms (thirst, dry mouth, dark urine) and causes (vomiting, diarrhea).
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Heat Stroke
Orthostatic Hypotension »
What is orthostatic hypotension?
When a person stands up from sitting or lying down, the
body must work to adjust to that change in position. It is especially important
for the body to push blood upward and supply the brain with oxygen. If the body fails to do this
adequately, blood pressure falls, and a person may feel lightheaded or even pass
out. Orthostatic hypotension is the term used to describe the fall in blood
pressure when a person stands (orthostatic= upright posture of the body; hypo= less + tension=pressure).
Adequate blood supply to the body's organs depends upon
three factors:
- a heart strong enough to pump,
- arteries and veins that are able
to constrict or squeeze, and
- enough blood and fluid within the vessels.
When the
body changes position, a variety of actions occur involving all parts of the
cardiovascular
system as well as the autonomic nervous system that helps regulat...
Read the Orthostatic Hypotension article »
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