:: Continuing Coverage :: Heat stroke facts

Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically.Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated.Cooling the victim is a critical step in the treatment of heat stroke.The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.Infants, the elderly, athletes, and outdoor workers are the groups at greatest risk for heat stroke. What is, and who is at risk for heat stroke? Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical symptoms including changes in the nervous system function. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two other forms of hyperthermia that are less severe, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that is often fatal if not properly and promptly treated. Heat stroke is also sometimes referred to as heatstroke or sun stroke. Severe hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher.