Ads
What is heat exhaustion?
As the heat increases, our blood vessels open up, which lowers blood pressure.
This means the heart has to work harder to circulate blood, leading to milder symptoms, such as swelling or heat rash.
It also affects our fluid and salt levels through sweat, and alters the balance of these in our body.
When this is combined with a drop in blood pressure, heat exhaustion can occur.
Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, muscle weakness, sweating, clammy skin, irritability, and confusion.
A key sign is body temperature exceeding 41°C, which can happen 10 to 15 minutes after being in hot weather, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ads
