Extreme heat, sufficient to cause heat stroke, places a great strain upon the heart. The pulse rate of someone experiencing heat stroke is likely to be elevated dramatically as the heart attempts to cool the body.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious condition that occurs when the body's temperature climbs to 104 degrees F or higher. If heat stroke is not immediately treated, it can cause organ failure, brain damage or death.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat stroke may include elevated pulse rate, rapid breathing and shortness of breath, flushing of the skin, weakness and headache. may also cause a person to hallucinate or become comatose.
Pulse Rate
may increase as a result of heat stroke because the heart begins pumping very hard to cool the body. Blood rushes to the muscles and skin to deliver oxygen, and as a result, the pulse rate increases yet the heart has less blood to move.
Warning
According to Merck.com, the likelihood that heat stroke will cause death is increased in those who have a pre-existing heart condition.
Treatment
Treatment of heat stroke involves cooling the body as quickly as possible. The body may be packed in ice, wrapped in a cooling blanket or submerged in cold water.
Tags: heat stroke, cool body, heat stroke, pulse rate