Heart rate and heat stroke

Heat stroke can develop after heat exposure or strenuous activity when the body cannot cool itself. A fast, pounding heartbeat may occur alongside hot skin, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, unusual behaviour, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, but confusion or collapse signals a medical emergency. Do not rely on the heart rate alone to judge severity.

Call emergency services immediately. Move the person to shade or a cool indoor place, remove excess clothing, and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, fanning, or cool water while help is coming. Stay with them and place an unconscious person on their side. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, vomiting repeatedly, having a seizure, or unable to swallow safely.

Treat confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, or suspected heat stroke as an emergency even if the heartbeat later slows. Vomiting can prevent safe hydration and needs urgent attention in this setting. Hospital care may include controlled cooling, monitoring, and IV fluid therapy.

Ask what caused the overheating, when it is safe to return to exercise or outdoor work, how to plan fluids and breaks, and whether medicines increase heat risk.