A spectrum of systemic effects of heat, ranging from benign muscle cramps to life-threatening heat stroke.
Heat Cramps
Definition: Painful involuntary muscle spasms caused by excessive loss of salt through sweating.
Features
- Muscle cramps
- Heavy sweating
- Normal body temperature
Heat Exhaustion
Definition: Condition caused by excessive loss of water and electrolytes due to prolonged exposure to heat.
Features
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Excessive sweating
- Hypotension
Heat Syncope
Definition: Transient loss of consciousness due to peripheral vasodilatation and pooling of blood.