Heat syncope

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Heat syncope
Boy Scout at the 1948 Olympic Games faints in the intense heat
SpecialtyEmergency medicine

Heat syncope is

mental confusion.[1] Heat syncope is caused by peripheral vessel dilation, resulting in diminished blood flow to the brain and dehydration
.

Signs and symptoms

Faintness, dizziness, headache, increased pulse, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, pale/clammy skin, and brief loss of consciousness.[2]

Causes

Heat syncope occurs in a warm environment when

fainting when a person stands up quickly or stands for a long period of time. Those who perform strenuous work outside in warm climates are at particular risk.[4]

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of heat syncope is done during a physical examination. During the physical exam the practitioner will test the blood pressure of the patient, and the pulse. If the patient is experiencing heat syncope the blood pressure will be low, and the pulse will be elevated. Observation of excess sweating will also be a key sign. Finally, the practitioner will ask questions figuring out the history of the patient's symptoms. If the patient developed symptoms while engaging in physical activity and high temperatures it will then be a true case of heat syncope.[5]

Prevention

Physical activity in extremely hot weather should be avoided. If a person starts to experience over heating, and symptoms of heat syncope, they should move or be moved to a shaded or cool area. It is also recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages in hot weather, because they cause dehydration which may worsen symptoms. Finally, drinking plenty of water with electrolytes is imperative when engaging in physical activity in hot weather.[5]

Treatment

The basic treatment for heat syncope is like that for other types of fainting: the patient is positioned in a seating or supine position with legs raised. Water containing salt, or another drink containing electrolytes, is administered slowly, and the patient is moved to a cooler area, such as the shade.

The affected person should rest and recover, because heat syncope can lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion.[4]

References

  1. PMID 12937591
    .
  2. ^ "Heat Syncope -- Emergency Medical Services Authority". www.emsaonline.com. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  3. ^ Heat Acclimatization, (doc file cannot be opened)
  4. ^ a b Jacklitsch, Brenda L. (June 29, 2011). "Summer Heat Can Be Deadly for Outdoor Workers". NIOSH: Workplace Safety and Health. Medscape and NIOSH.
  5. ^ a b "Heat Syncope: Treatment, Prevention, Symptoms, Causes". ePainAssist. September 2014. Retrieved 2015-11-21.

External links

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