Can Heat Strokes Cause Cardiac Arrest? Know Its Warning Signs, Prevention Tips, And More

Extreme heat can cause the body to sweat more to keep it cool and lead to dehydration; this puts additional pressure and stress on the heart.

Heat Stroke

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(By Dr. Ajay Gautam)

Heat stroke is a medical emergency often seen during the hot summer months in countries with tropical climates like India. When temperatures soar to 104°F (40°C) or higher for consecutive days, the body is strained to its limit as it has to work harder and that stresses the cardiovascular system. Added stress to the heart can increase health risks for people who have chronic conditions and heart ailments, and in extreme cases, heat stroke can even lead to other medical emergencies like cardiac arrest. Thus, heat stroke needs to be treated as an emergency and medical attention should be sought at the earliest. 

Symptoms To Look For

Symptoms for heat stroke range from high body temperatures—typically those that reach 103-106° F. The skin can also appear hot, flushed, and dry. A person experiencing a heat stroke may have headaches and hallucinations and can exhibit signs of fatigue. Just like heat stroke, symptoms of stroke can also range from disorientation, seizures, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of consciousness. Extreme heat can cause the body to sweat more to keep it cool and lead to dehydration; this puts additional pressure and stress on the heart. Prioritize hydration in high temperatures by consuming enough water, which will help the body regulate its temperature. 

Different Types Of Heat Strokes

There are two types of heat strokes, namely, exertional heat stroke and non-exertional heat stroke. The former occurs when the human body is put under exertion due to strenuous physical activity in hot or humid conditions. This generally impacts military personnel and blue-collar workers engaged in outdoor work like construction, gardening, etc. As for non-exertional heat stroke, it generally happens due to prolonged exposure to hot environmental conditions, such as heat waves or extended periods of high temperatures and humidity. Individuals with heart issues are particularly vulnerable to this type of heat stroke. 

Who Is At Risk?

There’s no particular high-risk population who have a higher chance of experiencing heat stroke; thus, everyone should practice caution in summer months when the temperature soars. However, children, the elderly, and those with cardiac ailments should be extra careful and avoid going outdoors at mid-day when the sun is at the highest point and temperatures are the highest.

Precaution Tips To Follow

As a precaution, automated external defibrillators (AED) should be made available at outdoor gatherings in the heat, such as concerts, sports events, or for those engaged in outdoor work, for delivering a swift response to cardiac emergencies. Prolonged heat stroke can severely damage the heart muscle by causing inflammation and potentially triggering arrhythmia. To protect the heart, it is crucial to take caution in extreme heat and treat symptoms of heat stroke immediately with first aid before medical help arrives. 

Individuals who are on certain medications like diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers, and stimulants have a higher risk of developing heat stroke as these can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature or increase fluid loss through sweating. If heat stroke is suspected in an individual, they should immediately be moved to a shaded area, preferably near fans, and excess clothing should be removed to help the body cool down.

Medical help should be sought without delay, as prolonged heat stroke can lead to cardiac arrest or even organ failure. Those who have suffered from severe heat stroke previously should take extra precautions in hot summer weather, stay well-hydrated, avoid excessive exertion, and be mindful of early warning signs of heat-related illness to prevent a subsequent heat-related illness. 

Dr. Ajay Gautam is the Cardiologist of Kolkata

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]