Heat stroke comes as a life-threatening but reversible condition. An intact cardiovascular system is vital for maintaining thermal homeostasis. The presence of underlying cardiovascular disease, especially in the elderly, raises the risk. 

Heat stroke causes multiorgan dysfunction and cardiovascular complications like arrhythmias, conduction disturbances, myocardial ischemia/injury, and at extremes, heart failure, circulatory collapse, and death. Cooling and supportive care are essential in managing heat stroke.

During heat waves, at-risk patients must reduce the risk of heat stroke by advised methods like wearing light clothing and keeping well-hydrated. At ambient temperature surpassing the core body temperature, fanning becomes ineffective, as it simply recirculates hot air. However, when combined with a cool shower or bath, it is more effective. People may also head towards malls, grocery stores, and hotels to refuge from heat waves if their residence does not have air conditioning. Medications that may worsen heat stroke should be proactively withheld during severe heat waves, particularly in vulnerable patients who may not be able to stick to other preventive measures. Family members, neighbours, and community members should check on at-risk individuals frequently.

Recent knowledge of the association between heat stroke and the cardiovascular system is limited due to several reasons, especially the relative infrequency of major heat waves, and the small and/or retrospective nature of the studies available. As heat waves increase in frequency, additional areas of study should investigate the efficacy of preventive measures and the role of coronary angiography in patients with myocardial injury.

Source: CJC Open. 2021 Oct 12;4(2):158-163. doi: 10.1016/j.cjco.2021.10.002. PMID: 35198932; PMCID: PMC8843991.