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Signs of a Heart Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when your temperature rises rapidly and your body is unable to cool down. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Hundreds of people die from heat stroke each year in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). By knowing the symptoms and treatments for heat stroke, you could save someone's life. By knowing the ways to prevent heat stroke, you could save your own.

  1. Symptoms

    • Heat stroke occurs when your body becomes overwhelmed by heat and cannot regulate your temperature. When this happens, your body looses its ability to sweat, and your temperature can soar to 106 degrees in 15 minutes. Symptoms of heat stroke include hot dry skin, high body temperature, chills, confusion, dizziness, strong rapid pulse, staggering, hallucinations or delirium, headache, and slurred speech.

    Treatment

    • A heat stroke victim should be treated immediately. The NIH and the CDC both recommend moving the person out of the sun and into a cool place, giving her water or fruit juice, spraying or sponging her with water, and having her lie in a cool area with her feet slightly elevated. Also call 911 immediately because heat stroke victims often need intravenous fluids and other emergency medical treatments.

    Risk Factors

    • Factors that increase your risk of heat stroke include having high blood pressure or heart, lung, or kidney disease; taking diuretics, sedatives or tranquilizers; being overweight; or drinking alcohol. Older adults and children are also at higher risk of experiencing heat stroke than healthy young adults.

    Drink Up to Prevent Heat Stroke

    • Drink plenty of liquids when it is hot outside. "Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature," according to the CDC. Good choices are water, sport drinks, or fruit or vegetable juice. Avoid alcohol and caffeine because these can cause dehydration or increase your risk of dehydration.

    Stay Cool

    • Dress for the weather. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors. To protect yourself from the sun, wear a hat and sunglasses or use an umbrella. Avoid exercising or doing strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. When working or playing outside, take frequent breaks in the shade to rest and cool down.

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