What condition does "heat stroke" refer to?

Heat stroke refers to a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's temperature regulation fails due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. This condition leads to hyperthermia, a significantly elevated body temperature that can exceed 104°F (40°C). During heat stroke, the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating becomes ineffective, causing the core temperature to rise to dangerous levels.

This severe rise in temperature can cause damage to vital organs, including the brain, heart, and kidneys, and if not treated promptly, it may result in death. The hallmark symptoms include confusion, altered mental state, seizures, and loss of consciousness, highlighting the urgency of medical intervention. Understanding that heat stroke is not simply a milder form of heat-related illness (which may include conditions like heat exhaustion) is crucial for effective response and treatment in emergency situations.