What is a common symptom of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a condition that arises from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity. Among the symptoms associated with heat exhaustion, a rapid heartbeat is a common and notable sign.

When the body overheats, it attempts to cool itself down through processes like sweating and increasing blood flow to the skin. The heart rate accelerates in response to this stress, ensuring that blood circulates efficiently to help dissipate heat. Therefore, the presence of a rapid heartbeat indicates the body’s attempt to adapt to the heat stress and maintain homeostasis.

In contrast, other choices such as decreased sweating, altered mental state, and high fever are typically more associated with heat stroke or different heat-related illnesses rather than heat exhaustion specifically. Decreased sweating usually indicates a severe reaction to heat, while altered mental state and high fever can signal critical distress and the progression to heat stroke. In heat exhaustion, symptoms like thirst, weakness, and nausea can also be present, but a rapid heartbeat remains one of the hallmark indicators of the body's response to overheating.