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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:22
A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
Published on: July 1, 2021
Mechanisms and Intervention Strategies for Heat Stroke-Associated Myocardial Dysfunction: A Narrative Review
Yan Zhuang1,2, Xiao-Huan Zhuang1,2, Xin-Yuan Zhang1,2
1Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Heatstroke can cause serious heart problems. Rapid cooling and close monitoring are key to managing heatstroke-associated myocardial dysfunction, which is often reversible with prompt care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Environmental Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Heatstroke is a dangerous condition with core body temperature >40°C and CNS dysfunction.
- High heat, humidity, exertion, and certain medications can trigger heatstroke.
- It can lead to systemic inflammation and multi-organ failure, notably affecting the heart.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of heatstroke-associated myocardial dysfunction.
- To synthesize current literature on cardiac complications of heatstroke.
- To highlight the importance of early intervention and cardiovascular support.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review based on structured searches of PubMed and Embase.
- Focused on literature from the last 10 years, including seminal studies.
- Prioritized human clinical studies, reviews, and consensus statements.
Main Results:
- Pathophysiology involves thermal cytotoxicity, inflammation, endothelial injury, and coagulopathy.
- Cardiac manifestations include myocardial injury, arrhythmias, and ventricular dysfunction.
- Diagnosis requires ECG, cardiac biomarkers, and echocardiography; management includes cooling and hemodynamic support.
Conclusions:
- Heatstroke-associated myocardial dysfunction is a significant, potentially reversible complication.
- Prompt cooling, cardiovascular assessment, and supportive care are crucial.
- Further research is needed for targeted therapies and improved risk stratification.
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