Final answer:
Heat exhaustion is characterized by profuse sweating, increased heart rate coupled with fatigue, and dizziness or fainting due to dehydrated states causing low blood pressure. These signs indicate the body is struggling to regulate its temperature and prevent further complications like heat stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
Top Three Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a condition that results from your body overheating, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, high humidity, and strenuous physical activity. The top three signs of heat exhaustion are:
- Profuse Sweating: Often accompanied by cold, pale, and clammy skin. This is a natural response as your body tries to cool down. However, excessive sweating can lead to significant electrolyte loss, specifically sodium, which can manifest as muscle cramps and weakness.
- Increased Heart Rate and Fatigue: As the body becomes dehydrated, the heart works harder to pump blood, leading to an increased pulse rate. Fatigue can quickly follow, as the body struggles to function normally with depleted water and salt levels.
- Dizziness or Faintness: Dehydration associated with heat exhaustion can lead to a drop in blood volume, causing blood pressure to fall and dizziness or fainting spells to occur.
These symptoms can become severe without proper intervention, such as moving to a cooler place, drinking water or sports drinks, and resting. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke, which is a life-threatening emergency.