Why Would the Pulse Rate Be Elevated During a Heat Stroke?
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Heat Stroke
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Heat stroke is a serious condition that occurs when the body's temperature climbs to 104 degrees F or higher. If heat stroke is not immediately treated, it can cause organ failure, brain damage or death.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of heat stroke may include elevated pulse rate, rapid breathing and shortness of breath, flushing of the skin, weakness and headache. Heat stroke may also cause a person to hallucinate or become comatose.
Pulse Rate
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Pulse rate may increase as a result of heat stroke because the heart begins pumping very hard to cool the body. Blood rushes to the muscles and skin to deliver oxygen, and as a result, the pulse rate increases yet the heart has less blood to move.
Warning
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According to Merck.com, the likelihood that heat stroke will cause death is increased in those who have a pre-existing heart condition.
Treatment
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Treatment of heat stroke involves cooling the body as quickly as possible. The body may be packed in ice, wrapped in a cooling blanket or submerged in cold water.
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