What Harvard Health Publishing And 3 Other Doctors Think: What Are The Possible Complications Heat Exhaustion?

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Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling

M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA

Heat exhaustion is a condition in which a person in a hot environment experiences significant loss of water and electrolytes due to excessive sweating. Complications of heat exhaustion include: • kidney damage • dangerously low blood pressure or an abnormal heart rhythm • muscle breakdown • liver failure • progression to heat stroke, a medical emergency, that may cause seizures, confusion, loss of consciousness or death

Answered by Dr. Marcella Abunahman Pereira

Specialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience · Brazil

Extreme heat can be dangerous to health and even fatal. The complications of heat exhaustion are dehydration, cramps, higher body temperature or hyperthermia, headache, heavy sweating, faintness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, low blood pressure, palpitation and even death. If you think you're experiencing heat exhaustion, stop all activity and rest, move to a cooler place and drink plenty of fluids.

→ Learn more about heat exhaustion: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to heat exhaustion.

Answered by Dr. Mohan P. Abraham

M.D., FAAFP (Family Physician) · 40 years of experience · USA

Heat exhaustion can lead to hear stroke which is a life threatening condition where the core body temperature reaches 104F or even higher that requires immediate medical attention otherwise can cause severe damage to the brain and other vital organs.

Answered by Dr. Alex T. Thomas

MD · 40 years of experience · USA

Possible complications due to heat exhaustion are associated with certain health conditions like heart, lung, kidney disease, and obesity. People with diabetes are at a high risk of hospitalization and death.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.