Key Takeaways
- Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires medical treatment.
- Seniors and young children are more at risk of classic heat stroke.
- Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature and confusion.
- Delaying treatment can lead to permanent damage.
Common Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Seniors
The common symptoms of heat stroke in seniors can appear suddenly, so knowing what to watch for can make all the difference. Symptoms of heat stroke vary greatly and may include:
- A very high temperature of 105ºF or higher
- Changes in mental capabilities, such as confusion, inability to concentrate, and behavioral changes
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Dizziness, faintness, or weakness
- Headache, muscle cramps, or abdominal cramps
- Heavy sweating or lack of sweating
- Irritability
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizures or coma
- Slurred speech
Why Heat Stroke Is a Serious Medical Emergency
If you or your loved one is experiencing signs of heat strokes, it’s crucial to seek medical help right away—untreated heat stroke can cause serious, permanent damage, and in the worst cases, it can be fatal.
A high core body temperature can break down skeletal muscle, a condition called rhabdomyolysis. As muscles break down, they release harmful proteins and electrolytes into the blood stream, forcing the kidneys and heart to work harder to flush out toxins.
Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include:
- Dark urine
- Muscle cramps or muscle pain
- Weakness
Heat stroke can also damage the heart, and seniors are at greater risk of heart complications since they’re more likely to have an underlying heart condition.
Seniors may experience cardiovascular symptoms such as:
- Arrhythmias
- Circulatory collapse
- Reduced blood flow to the heart
How Heat Stroke Is Diagnosed
Heat stroke is diagnosed by a doctor, usually in the emergency room. They’ll review the affected individual’s heat exposure, take a core body temperature, and check for signs of central nervous system dysfunction, such as an altered mental state.
The affected person will also likely undergo several diagnostic tests, which may include blood draws to look at electrolyte levels and blood count, kidney and liver tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a CT scan.
How Heat Stroke Is Treated in Seniors
The main treatment for heat stroke involves lowering the core body temperature—often done through cold-or ice-water immersion in an emergency room. While waiting for EMS, it’s crucial to do what you can to help cool the body down. This includes moving to a cool area and removing extra clothing.
There are two types of heat stroke—exertional and non-exertional, according to Harvard Health. While similar, the two have slightly different symptoms and treatment plans:
- Exertional heat stroke happens when body temperature rises due to physical activity and is more common during hot weather. Active seniors may experience this type of heat stroke when exercising outdoors. Someone with exertional heat stroke is more likely to have sweaty skin, and submerging the patient in cool water is a common treatment.
- Classic, or non-exertional, heat stroke happens when high temperatures make it difficult for the body to stay cool on its own. This type most often affects seniors over 65 and young children. Someone with classic heat stroke is more likely to have dry skin, and doctors typically treat this type of heat stroke with cool air and fans.
What to Do If You Suspect Heat Stroke at Home
If you or your loved one shows symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 immediately and follow the dispatcher’s directions until help arrives.
While waiting for help, the American Red Cross recommends trying to cool yourself or your loved one by removing extra layers of clothing and moving to shade or indoors. Other ways to cool down during a heat stroke may include:
- Getting into a cool shower or tub
- Using ice, ice packs, or cold wet towels on the head, neck, armpits, and groin
- Fanning or cool misting
Who’s Most at Risk of Heat Stroke?
Seniors over 65 and young children are at the highest risk for classic heat stroke because of how their nervous systems handle temperature regulation—children’s nervous systems are still developing, while seniors’ nervous systems respond more slowly. In both cases, the body struggles to adjust to temperature changes.
Seniors are also more likely to have a chronic health condition that increases their risk of heat stroke, including:
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Being overweight
- A sedentary lifestyle
- A history of past heat strokes
Certain prescription medicines can also make it harder for seniors to handle heat or stay hydrated, such as:
- Vasoconstrictors (medicine that narrows the blood vessels)
- Beta blockers (a type of blood pressure medicine that blocks adrenaline)
- Diuretics
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
Environmental factors—like a lack of air conditioning at home or spending too much time outdoors—can further increase a senior’s risk.
How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Seniors
The easiest way to prevent heat stroke is by planning outdoor time wisely and taking proactive steps to stay cool. Try these heat safety tips for seniors:
- Avoid spending too much time outside when the sun is strongest, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Set a timer to serve as a reminder to drink water and take a few sips even when there is no thirst.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Wear sunscreen and protective clothing, along with a hat and sunglasses.
- Schedule rest breaks to cool off indoors every 20 minutes or so.
Other Heat-Related Conditions to Watch For
Heat stroke is just one heat-related condition—here are others to keep an eye on:
- Dehydration. Seniors can become dehydrated more easily when spending time outside since the body needs to sweat to cool off. Some older adults don’t feel thirsty even when they need water, so encourage water breaks to stay hydrated.
- Heat cramps. Muscle spasms or cramps can occur during yard work, gardening, or exercising outdoors. Heat cramps don’t usually come with a high body temperature, but it’s still important to stop the activity, rest, and drink water or an electrolyte beverage.
- Heat rash. Heavy sweating can cause a heat rash that looks like clusters of pimples and may feel itchy. Keep the skin dry and move to a cool area.
- Sunburn. Skin can turn red and become painful after too much sun without sunscreen. Severe sunburns can blister and peel, adding stress to a senior’s already delicate skin. Moisturize sunburned skin and avoid further sun exposure while it heals.
- Heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion in the elderly occurs before heat stroke and includes symptoms like dizziness, weakness, nausea, and clammy skin. Rest indoors right away and stay hydrated. Seek medical care if the affected person doesn’t start feeling better.
How Senior Living Communities Help Seniors Stay Safe in the Heat
Senior living communities like Sunrise plan lots of seasonal activities for residents to enjoy, including outdoor activities. Activity coordinators aim to plan around the weather and schedule any outdoor activities when it’s safe. Our communities also always have team members nearby to help a resident who may need it.
At Sunrise Senior Living, we offer meaningful activities throughout the day for our residents that cater to their interests and abilities. If you’re curious about the options our communities offer—and how we help residents stay safe—schedule a tour at a Sunrise community near you. We’re happy to show you around, answer any questions, or let you sit in on an activity.