of and signs of hyperthermia
According to the National
Institute on Aging (2004), hyperthermia in the elderly can be classified by
the following categories and signs and symptoms:
- Heat cramps are
painful muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs following strenuous
The skin is usually moist and cool and the pulse rate is normal or rapid.
Body temperature remains in the normal range. A low sodium level may
heat cramps, but salt replacement should not be considered without advice
from a physician.
- NOTE: Use
of salt tablets to replace sodium is not recommended due to slow
absorption and the associated
of: gastric irritation,
vomiting and cerebral edema.
- Heat edema
is swelling in the ankles and feet during periods of heat.
- Heat syncope
is sudden unconsciousness experienced after exertion in the heat. It is caused
by hypotension secondary to cutaneous vasodilation. The skin appears
pale and sweaty but feels moist and cool. The pulse may
weak, and the
heart rate is usually rapid. Blood pressure is usually less than 100 mmHg
systolic. Body temperature may be normal.
- Heat exhaustion
is a warning that the body is getting too hot. The person may be thirsty,
giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous, and may be having a profound diaphoresis.
The body temperature is usually normal and the pulse is normal or rapid. The
skin is cold and clammy. Although heat exhaustion is often caused by water
and sodium depletion, salt supplements should be taken only with a physician's
- Heat stroke
is a life threatening condition. Persons with heat stroke have a very high
mortality rate so immediate medical attention is needed when symptoms first
- Important signs of heat stroke include:
* fainting, often an early sign
* a core body temperature over 40C
* a change in behavior, such as confusion, combativeness, or other unusual behaviors
absence of sweating, despite the heat
* dry, flushed skin and a strong rapid pulse changing to a slow weak
* cool skin
due to vascular collapse
* EKG changes
consistent with heart damage
* delirium or coma
stroke can be fatal even after returning to normal temperature. Intravascular
and multi-organ failure may result from the release of heat shock protein
and exaggerated immune response. Acute renal failure should be anticipate
patients that survive heat stroke often suffer from neurological impairment
include: nausea, cool skin & diaphoresis, thirst, normal temperature &
pulse, careless behavior.