Rationale:

• Exertional heatstroke can and should be prevented by taking simple common sense safety measures to minimize the accumulation of heat in the body.
• Simple anamnestic and occupational clues may categorize a person as prone to exertional heatstroke.

Evidence:

• The feasibility of preventing this serious disease is increased by providing proper health education and encouraging patients to follow some simple regulations (1; 2).
• In most cases, heat susceptibility in the young active population can be foreseen and minimized by following some simple regulations (3; 4).

Comments:

• Exertional heat stroke is a characteristic multi-organ syndrome that occurs when excess heat, generated by muscular exercise, exceeds the body's ablity to dissipate it. The syndrome results in multi-organ failure.