Heat Stroke in Elderly Adults
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Too much heat or overexposure to the sun can pose a risk to anyone but, heat stroke in the elderly is especially dangerous. In this post, we’ll discuss how to avoid heat stroke in older adults and common symptoms of heat stroke in seniors.
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What is Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is a medical emergency in which the body’s temperature rises above 104°F.
Patients suffering from heat stroke require emergency medical care, as heatstroke can quickly and permanently damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. The longer treatment is delayed the greater the risk of serious long-term health issues, or even death.
Heat Stroke and the Elderly
Extremely hot or sunny days can make it difficult for our bodies to regulate temperature. This is especially true for seniors, whose bodies naturally struggle to adapt to sudden changes in temperature.
Beyond that, seniors are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that impact body temperature, or require prescription medications that alter the body’s ability to regulate temperature or sweat properly.
These factors make the risk of heat stroke in elderly patients much higher than in other age groups.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke in the Elderly
Symptoms of heat stroke in elderly patients include:
- Fainting
- Confusion or acting strangely
- Not sweating even when it’s hot
- Dry, flushed skin
- Strong, rapid pulse or a slow, weak pulse.
If you recognize any of these symptoms of heat stroke in an elderly patient, they should seek medical attention immediately. If possible, move them inside or under shade and try to lower their body temperature by taking a cool bath or shower, sitting near a fan or AC unit, and/or changing into light, breathable clothes.
Other Heat-Related Illnesses that May Accompany Heat Stroke in Seniors
Being overheated or spending too much time in the sun without proper protection can cause a number of health problems aside from heat stroke. These illnesses may appear before or alongside symptoms of heat stroke if seniors are overexposed to high heat or sun:
- Heat cramps – painful tightening or spasms of muscles in your stomach, arms, or legs. While body temperature and pulse may stay within normal range while experiencing heat cramps, skin may feel moist and cool to the touch.
- Heat edema – swelling in the ankles and feet when body temperature rises.
- Heat exhaustion – a warning that your body is struggling to keep cool. Patients may feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, and nauseated. Other common side effects include excess sweating, cold and clammy skin, and rapid pulse.
- Heat rash – skin irritation caused by heavy sweating. Heat rash causes clusters of small, red blisters that look like pimples. Skin may feel itchy and some patients experience a “prickly” tingling pain.
- Heat syncope – sudden dizziness that can occur after being active in hot weather. Seniors who take beta blockers or those are not used to hotter weather are more likely to feel faint.
- Sun exposure – more commonly known as sunburn — sun exposure is a sign of skin damage due to overexposure to the sun.
Do you need help monitoring your elderly loved ones on hot days? Reach out to learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.
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Date: 2025-06-05
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