<\/p>\n
Running in heat isn\u2019t always dangerous. The body has highly effective mechanisms to keep core temperature stable even during intense exertion. The problem arises when those \u2018tricks\u2019 stop working because the ambient temperature<\/strong>, humidity, exercise intensity, or dehydration overwhelm the body\u2019s ability to cool itself. At that moment exertional heat stroke can develop, a potentially life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate action. Knowing how to identify warning signs can prevent very serious consequences.<\/p>\n One of the biggest mistakes is thinking heat stroke arrives without warning. In reality, most runners experience a progression of symptoms that indicate the body is losing the battle against heat. During exercise, the body mainly dissipates heat through the evaporation of sweat. When the ambient temperature is high, humidity prevents sweat from evaporating or the training intensity is too high, the body temperature begins to rise progressively. When it surpasses approximately 40\u00b0C and central nervous system disturbances appear, we are talking about exertional heat stroke, a situation that requires immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n Long before losing consciousness, the brain starts to signal trouble. It is common to notice a feeling of confusion, difficulty concentrating, or an inability to think clearly. Some runners describe losing track of pace, forgetting the usual route, or beginning to make illogical decisions.<\/p>\n They may also appear:<\/p>\n If any of these symptoms appear while running in the heat, the correct action is to stop the training immediately.<\/p>\n Another very characteristic symptom is that the legs suddenly seem to lose strength. This is not the normal fatigue of a hard workout. It is a feeling of extreme exhaustion that appears even if the pace isn\u2019t particularly high. Many runners try to push on, thinking it\u2019s just a slump or poor hydration. That mistake can cause the condition to progress rapidly.<\/p>\n It might seem contradictory, but chills while running in intense heat are a very concerning signal. It indicates that the temperature regulation system is beginning to fail. If, in addition, there is very hot skin, extreme weakness, or a sensation of feeling \u201cvery odd,\u201d you must stop exercising immediately.<\/p>\n The digestive tract receives less blood flow when the body is trying to cool itself.<\/p>\n As a consequence they may appear:<\/p>\n Although these symptoms can also stem from digestive problems, when they occur alongside intense heat they should raise suspicion of a possible heat stroke.<\/p>\n There is a belief that in a heat stroke the person stops sweating. That happens often in classic heat stroke, but not necessarily during exertional heat stroke. In fact, many runners continue to sweat heavily even when their body temperature is dangerously elevated. Therefore, continuing to sweat does not rule out a heat stroke.<\/p>\n If you suspect you\u2019re developing a heat stroke:<\/p>\n Speed in lowering the body temperature is the main factor that improves prognosis.<\/p>\n Although it can affect any runner, the risk increases when several factors coincide:<\/p>\n The best strategy remains prevention. Reducing pace when it is hot, training in the early hours of the day, staying properly hydrated, acclimating for one or two weeks, and listening to the body\u2019s signals greatly reduce the risk. Abandoning a training session is never a failure if doing so prevents a medical emergency.<\/p>\n Various publications from the American College of Sports Medicine<\/em> and the National Athletic Trainers\u2019 Association<\/em> agree that early diagnosis and immediate cooling during the first 30 minutes are the factors that most reduce mortality and potential sequelae of exertional heat stroke. Likewise, research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine<\/em> emphasizes that altered mental state is the most important clinical sign to differentiate this situation from simple heat exhaustion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nHeat stroke does not appear suddenly<\/h2>\n
The first sign is usually in the head<\/h2>\n
When the legs stop responding<\/h2>\n
Chills in the heat of summer: a warning sign<\/h2>\n
Nausea and vomiting can also indicate danger<\/h2>\n
Sweating can be confusing<\/h2>\n
What you should do immediately<\/h2>\n
Who is at greater risk?<\/h2>\n
How to prevent reaching that situation<\/h2>\n
What science says<\/h2>\n