How to Recognize the Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, is a dangerous condition where the body becomes dehydrated and its temperature rises dangerously high. Be ready to act quickly since symptoms of heat stroke can appear suddenly and without warning in certain cases. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of heat stroke can save a person's life.

Things You'll Need

• Thermometer

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Instructions

Look for Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• 1

  Evaluate the victim's condition. Check if the patient is flushed, hot and has dry skin. Typically there are also symptoms of sluggishness and fatigue. Symptoms of heat stroke can vary for each person and can sometimes mirror those of a heart attack.

• 2

  Take note of the person's mental state. Determine if she is unconscious or is exhibiting noticeably abnormal behavior.

• 3

  Establish if there are signs of confusion or delirium. You will sometimes recognize neurological symptoms and even seizures.

• 4

  Check for slightly elevated blood pressure that drops later on. There may also be signs of hyperventilating and a temperature of 105 degrees F or higher.

• 5

  Look for additional signs. This includes abdominal and muscle cramps and dehydration. Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs that result after or during strenuous activity in hot weather.

• 6

  Determine if a person is lacking body fluids. Symptoms of dehydration range from less-frequent urination, thirst and dry skin to fatigue, light-headedness and an increased heart rate.

• 7

  Educate yourself on how to recognize the signs of heat stroke at WebMD (see Resources below). Learn about what symptoms to look for in different age groups or find out who is more susceptible to heat stroke.