What Can Happen If You Get Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when high temperatures in a person's environment, physical exercise or other conditions cause body temperature to reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit or more. This condition causes complications that can become life threatening and require immediate medical help.

Skin

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the skin may become red with an increase in body temperature. The skin will be hot and dry with heat stroke that is caused by hot weather, and skin will become moist from exercise-induced heat stroke.

Heart and Lungs

• The body's attempts to cool itself during heat stroke may cause a strong pulse and a racing heartbeat. Shallow rapid breathing can occur with heat stroke.

Nervous System

• Headaches, seizures and loss of consciousness can develop in people with heat stroke.

Shock

• Heat stroke can lead to shock symptoms, including low blood pressure, cool clammy skin and blue nails and lips.

Organ Damage

• Damage and swelling of the brain and other organs in the body may occur if heat stroke is not treated quickly. Organs may sustain permanent damage that can result in death.

Treatment

• Medical treatment for heat stroke may include immersion of the body in a cold water bath, the use of a special cooling blanket and the placement of ice packs on the body.