Heatstroke. Underlying processes and lifesaving management.

Heatstroke occurs during intense physical exertion or environmental exposure to heat without exertion. The ability to eliminate heat is limited by volume depletion, cardiac and vascular insufficiency, and skin disorders or protective coverings that prevent sweating and evaporative heat loss. Also, many drugs predispose patients to heatstroke by impairing normal thermoregulatory function. Critical management strategies include (1) recognition of hyperthermia, (2) rapid cooling, and (3) supportive care and observation for heat-related complications of tissue injury (eg, hepatic failure, renal failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation).