Heat syncope

Background

1. Variant of postural hypotension
   1. Results from combination of volume depletion and peripheral vasodilatation
   2. Occurs in nonacclimatized during early stages of heat exposure (esp elderly)

Diagnosis

1. Diagnosis of exclusion

Differential Diagnosis

Environmental heat diagnoses

• Heat cramps
• Heat edema
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat tetany
• Heat stroke
• Heat syncope
• Miliaria
• Hyperthermia

Management

1. Remove pt from heat source
2. Give PO or IV rehydration

Disposition

1. Hospitalization usually is not necessary

See Also

• Heat Emergencies

Source

Tintinalli