Heat Stroke vs. Stroke Infographic
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Heat Stroke vs Stroke
What and Why
Heat stroke is when your body overheats and core body temperature rises to more than 104° F.
Stroke is when a blood vessel to the brain bursts or is blocked by a clot. Brain cells die from the lack of blood and oxygen.
Risk Factors
Heat Stroke
Some people may be at higher risk due to:
- Age
- Certain medications
- Exertion in hot weather
- Lack of air conditioning
- Medical conditions
- Spending time outside in excessive heat
- Sudden exposure to hot weather
- Weight
Stroke
Up to 80% of strokes may be prevented.
Factors you may be able to treat and control:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cigarette smoking
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Poor diet
Factors you cannot control:
- Age
- Race
- Family history
- Medical history
Signs
Heat Stroke
Body temperature of 104° F or higher is the main sign. Other signs include:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Hot and dry skin (when not exercising)
- Fast pulse or racing heart
- Flushed or red skin
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Vomiting
Stroke
B.E. F.A.S.T.
B – Balance Loss
E – Eye (Vision) Changes
F – Face Drooping
A – Arm Weakness
S – Speech Difficulty
T – Time to Call 911
Other signs of stroke include sudden trouble seeing, dizziness, confusion, severe headache, or weakness on one side of the body.
What to Do
Heat Stroke
While waiting for emergency care, move the person into shade or indoors, remove excess clothing and try to cool them with water, fans, ice packs or cold, wet towels.
Stroke
Get to the hospital as quickly as possible by ambulance to improve chance of surviving and having a full recovery.
Both
Call 911 or your local emergency services number ASAP.
© Copyright 2026 American Heart Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. All rights reserved. American Stroke Association is a registered trademark of the American Heart Association. Unauthorized use prohibited. WF-1540135 4/26
