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Exertional heat stroke during a cool weather marathon: a case study
1Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA. rober037@umn.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Exertional heat stroke can occur even in cool weather. Collapsed marathon runners require immediate cooling and medical evaluation, especially if rectal temperature is high and recovery is slow.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Environmental Physiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Marathon running presents significant physiological challenges.
- Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a serious condition that can affect athletes.
- Understanding EHS triggers is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Observation:
- A well-trained male marathon runner collapsed near the finish line in cool, humid conditions.
- The runner presented with altered mental status, respiratory distress, and a high core body temperature (40.7°C).
- Initial cardiac assessment revealed a "stunned" myocardium.
Findings:
- The runner experienced exertional heat stroke despite cool ambient temperatures.
- Pre-existing viral illness and the use of a non-participant pacer may have contributed to the event.
- Prompt cooling and medical intervention were critical for his recovery.
Implications:
- EHS can occur in cool environments, challenging typical assumptions about heat illness.
- Rectal temperature monitoring is vital for collapsed runners with delayed recovery.
- Athletes should avoid competing while ill and refrain from using external pacers to mitigate risks.
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