Heat And Mini Strokes: What's The Connection?

Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is a life-threatening condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often in combination with dehydration, that leads to a failure of the body's temperature control system. It is characterised by a core body temperature of 104°F or higher, along with symptoms like nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma. On the other hand, a stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, resulting in brain cell death due to oxygen deprivation. While heat exposure and dehydration are risk factors for heat stroke, they are not direct causes of strokes. This distinction is crucial as the treatments for heat stroke and strokes differ significantly.

Heat stroke symptoms

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often in combination with dehydration, which leads to a failure of the body's temperature control system. The core body temperature rises above 104°F (40°C), and complications involving the central nervous system occur.

The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 104°F. However, fainting may be the first sign of heat stroke, along with heat cramps. Other symptoms include:

• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Lack of sweating despite the heat
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Behavioural changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
• Agitation or aggression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech

If you or someone around you is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency services number immediately. While waiting for medical assistance, move the person to a cooler area, preferably with air conditioning. Remove any unnecessary clothing, and initiate first aid to cool their body temperature down to 101-102°F. You can do this by:

• Fanning air over the patient while wetting their skin with water
• Applying ice packs to the armpits, groin, neck, and back
• Immersing the patient in a cool shower or bath
• Using misting and fanning techniques, where water is sprayed onto the skin while fans circulate air

Heat stroke causes

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which the body's ability to regulate its temperature is overwhelmed by the heat. It is the most severe form of heat-related illness (hyperthermia) and can develop in very warm spaces or when doing intense physical activity.

Heat stroke is caused by a combination of factors, including:

• External heat sources: This includes environmental heat, such as hot and humid weather, or being in an enclosed space without proper ventilation or air conditioning. The "heat island effect" in urban areas can also contribute, where asphalt and concrete store heat during the day and release it slowly at night, leading to higher temperatures.
• Internal heat generation: Intense physical activity or exercise can generate a lot of body heat, especially in hot weather. This internal heat can overwhelm the body's ability to cool down.
• Dehydration: Dehydration plays a significant role in heat stroke. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, which impairs the body's ability to regulate temperature through sweating.
• Age and health conditions: Older adults, especially those over 65, are more susceptible to heat stroke due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Additionally, individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, are at a higher risk.
• Medications and substances: Certain medications and substances can interfere with the body's ability to cool down and increase the risk of dehydration. These include anticholinergics, antipsychotics, calcium channel blockers, lithium, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants.

It is important to note that heat stroke requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to serious complications, including organ damage and failure, and even death. The longer the body temperature remains high, the greater the risk of these complications. Therefore, recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and seeking prompt medical treatment are crucial.

Heat stroke prevention

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often in combination with dehydration, which leads to a failure of the body's temperature control system. It is important to take precautions to prevent heat stroke, especially during hot weather. Here are some ways to prevent heat stroke:

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics. Light-coloured clothing is preferable as it reflects sunlight and helps keep you cool.

Stay in a Cool Environment

Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, spend time in a shopping mall, public library, or a community centre. Even a few hours spent in a cool environment can help your body regulate its temperature.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juice, to prevent dehydration. It is generally recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. You can also consume electrolyte-rich sports drinks, especially during periods of extreme heat and physical activity, to replace lost salts and minerals.

Avoid Strenuous Activities

Limit your exposure to the heat during the hottest parts of the day. If possible, reschedule outdoor activities to cooler times, such as early morning or evening. If you must engage in physical activity during hot weather, take breaks, rest in shady areas, and drink plenty of fluids.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

When you go outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from direct sunlight. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, applying it 30 minutes before going out and reapplying as directed.

Be Mindful of Certain Medications

Certain medications can affect your body's ability to regulate temperature and stay hydrated. Consult your healthcare provider to understand if your medications increase your risk of heat stroke and take extra precautions if necessary.

Never Leave Anyone in a Parked Car

Cars can heat up very quickly, even with the windows cracked open. Never leave children, pets, or anyone else in a parked car, even for a short period.

Monitor Your Body

Know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. If you or someone around you exhibits these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat stroke treatment

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. While waiting for emergency services to arrive, there are several first-aid strategies you can use to help lower the person's body temperature:

• Move the person out of direct sunlight or heat: If possible, move them to an air-conditioned environment, or at least a cool, shady area.
• Remove unnecessary clothing: Take off any excess layers to help the person cool down.
• Apply cold water and fan: Pour water over the person's skin and use anything available to fan them. Alternatively, use a sponge or garden hose to wet their skin and fan air over them.
• Apply cold, wet cloths: Soak towels in ice water and apply them to the person's skin, replacing them frequently.
• Apply ice packs: Apply ice or cold packs to the person's armpits, groin, neck, and back to help reduce their body temperature.
• Immerse in cold water: If safe and possible, immerse the person in a shower or tub of cool water, or up to their neck in cold water.
• Cold shower: Have the person take a cold shower if they are able to.

It is important to not give the person any fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen, as this may worsen complications. Additionally, do not give them any fluids to drink, as they may accidentally inhale the liquid, which can be dangerous.

In a hospital setting, medical providers will focus on further cooling the person's body using methods such as cold-water immersion, misting and fanning, and administering IV fluids and medications to support organ function.

Heat stroke vs. stroke

Heat stroke and stroke are two different conditions with distinct causes and treatments. While both are potentially life-threatening medical emergencies, understanding their differences is crucial for seeking appropriate emergency care.

Heat Stroke:

Heat stroke, sometimes called sunstroke, occurs when an individual's core body temperature rises above 104°F (40°C), typically due to prolonged exposure to high environmental temperatures or strenuous physical activity in hot conditions. This extreme heat overwhelms the body's ability to regulate its temperature, leading to a dangerous elevation in internal body heat. Heat stroke is often accompanied by dehydration and can affect individuals of any age, particularly those with certain risk factors such as age, weight, medical history, or medications.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• High body temperature
• Behavioural changes such as confusion, disorientation, or agitation
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Rapid and shallow breathing (tachypnea)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
• Skin colour changes, either flushed or pale
• Excessive sweating or dry skin, depending on the cause of heat stroke

Immediate medical attention is required for heat stroke, as it can lead to reduced blood flow, organ damage, and even death if left untreated.

Stroke:

A stroke, on the other hand, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, often due to a blocked or burst blood vessel. This disruption deprives brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death and various symptoms. Strokes are a leading cause of death and are particularly prevalent in the United States.

Symptoms of a stroke include:

• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
• Confusion or disorientation
• Sudden trouble seeing
• Severe headache
• Nausea

Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly is crucial to prevent damage or death. The American Stroke Association recommends using the acronym F.A.S.T.: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services.

In summary, while heat stroke and stroke share some similar symptoms, such as confusion and weakness, they are distinct conditions with different underlying causes and treatment approaches. Both require immediate medical attention, but understanding their differences can help individuals receive the most appropriate care.

Frequently asked questions