Prognosis

Mortality from exertional heat stroke is low (<5%), as it typically affects young healthy people and is recognised and treated promptly. Conversely, mortality from heat stroke in older adults can exceed 50%.[10]

The prognosis of heat stroke in adults depends on several factors, such as the amount of time the patient remains at an elevated core temperature and the extent of hyperthermia. All severe complications of heat stroke are increased in relation to this. Patient comorbidities are also important. Other poor prognostic indicators include prolonged coma or shock, presence of rhabdomyolysis and more severe end-organ damage, elevated creatine kinase >1000 IU/L, and development of pulmonary complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome.[27][28]

Patients with a history of heat stroke may be more likely to have heat stroke again. Heat stress testing can aid in quantifying risk.[29][30][31]

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