What is a common symptom of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a condition that arises from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often accompanied by dehydration. One of the hallmark symptoms of heat exhaustion is a rapid heartbeat. This occurs as the body tries to cool itself down and maintain adequate blood circulation to vital organs and muscles. When the body overheats, the cardiovascular system responds by increasing heart rate to facilitate blood flow to the skin to dissipate heat and prevent overheating.

A rapid heartbeat is indicative of the body's response to stress and can be compounded by dehydration, which often occurs in cases of heat exhaustion due to loss of fluids through excessive sweating. This symptom is a crucial indicator of the seriousness of the condition and should prompt immediate action, such as moving the affected person to a cooler environment and rehydrating.

In contrast, decreased sweating typically occurs in heat stroke, rather than heat exhaustion, making it less relevant in this context. An altered mental state can be more associated with heat stroke or severe dehydration, rather than the initial stages of heat exhaustion. High fever is not a direct symptom of heat exhaustion, as it suggests an underlying infection or illness rather than a response to heat exposure. Thus, the rapid heartbeat stands out as a key symptom of heat exhaustion.