A heatstroke occurs when the temperature of the body increases rapidly and reaches 104 F or higher, according to MayoClinic.com. It is a life-threatening condition that can occur due to high temperatures in the environment, demanding physical activity, or any condition that causes the temperature of the body to rise rapidly. When the body is not able to control its temperature, it rises rapidly and the sweating mechanism of the body fails. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent the after effects of a heat stroke.
Shock
MayoClinic.com reports that the main complication of a heat stroke is shock. The high body temperature can restrict the blood flow in the body. When the body does not get enough blood supply, it can go into shock. The lack of blood flow can cause damage to the organs, which can prove to be fatal if not treated immediately.
Organ Damage or Failure
If the symptoms of heatstroke are not treated immediately, the organs may swell up in response to the high temperature. Immediate steps need to be taken to cool down the body temperature, so that the swelling in the organ can subside. If the body temperature does not come down, the swelling may never subside, causing permanent damage to the vital organs of the body.
Organs that can be damaged include the lungs, the heart, the liver and the kidneys. A heat stroke can lead to conditions such as kidney failure which could prove to be fatal or cause permanent kidney damage. Heat places a lot of stress on the heart to cool the body down. This causes an increased heart beat and pulse. Without immediate medical attention, it can result in death, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Brain Damage
MayoClinic.com states that an individual suffering with a heat stroke displays neurological symptoms such as seizures and hallucinations. The individual may feel confused and not be able to understand others or speak properly. If immediate steps are not taken to combat the heat stroke symptoms, the patient may even lose consciousness and slip into a coma. This could prove fatal for the person and also cause permanent damage to the neurological system and the brain. It could also result in the death of the individual.
