Heat cramps are muscular pain and spasms due to heavy exertion. They usually involve the abdominal muscles or legs. It is generally thought this condition is caused by loss of water and salt through sweating. Heat exhaustion occurs when your heart and vascular system do not respond properly to high temperatures. The symptoms of heat exhaustion resemble shock and include feeling faint, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, an ashen appearance, cold clammy skin, heavy perspiring and nausea.
Heat stroke occurs when the body's heat regulating mechanism fails.
This is the most serious type of heat emergency. The main symptom of heat stroke is a fever of approximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit with hot, dry skin. Other signs include rapid heartbeat, rapid and shallow breathing, either elevated or lowered blood pressure, and confusion or unconsciousness. If someone is suffering from heat cramps, get the victim to a cool place. If they can tolerate it, give one-half glass of water every 15 minutes.