Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the most common type of heat-related illness. It can occur when you exercise or do manual labor in a hot environment, and your body struggles to cool itself down. When you have heat exhaustion, your internal (core) body temperature may be abnormally high, but it’s typically below 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). You’ll likely sweat a lot and have other symptoms like dizziness, nausea and a headache.

Without treatment, heat exhaustion can turn into the most severe form of heat-related illness: heat stroke. A key difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is that with heat stroke, you have signs of brain dysfunction (encephalopathy). These include persistent confusion, changes in behavior (like aggression or agitation) and slurred speech. You’ll also have a dangerously high body temperature, typically above 104 degrees F.

If you or someone you’re with has signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, call 911 or your local emergency services number. Treating heat exhaustion is essential for preventing its progression to life-threatening heat stroke.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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