NATA Position Statement: Exertional Heat Illnesses

These flashcards cover key terms, definitions, and concepts related to exertional heat illnesses (EHIs), their prevention, recognition, and treatment, as outlined in the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) position statement.

What is the primary goal addressed through appropriate prevention strategies, proper recognition tactics, and effective treatment plans for EHIs?

Athlete safety

What is the definition of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps (EAMCs)?

Sudden or progressively evolving, involuntary, painful contractions of skeletal muscle during or after exercise.

What are some signs and symptoms of incipient EAMCs?

Tics, twinges, stiffness, tremors, or contractures.

What are the proposed contributing factors and conditions to EAMCs?

Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, altered neuromuscular control, fatigue, or any combination of these factors.

What is heat syncope often attributed to?

Dehydration, venous pooling of blood, reduced cardiac filling, or low blood pressure with resultant cerebral ischemia.

What factors characterize heat exhaustion?

Cardiovascular insufficiency, hypotension, energy depletion, and central fatigue, elevated core body temperature (usually ,40.58C), high rate or volume of skin blood flow, heavy sweating, and dehydration.

What differentiates exertional heat exhaustion from heat injury or EHS?

Absent from heat exhaustion are end-organ damage and significant central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction with marked temperature elevation.

What characterizes exertional heat stroke?

Neuropsychiatric impairment and a high core body temperature, typically .40.58C (1058F).

What is often the first sign of EHS?

CNS dysfunction (eg, collapse, aggressiveness, irritability, confusion, seizures, altered consciousness).

What are the 2 main diagnostic criteria for EHS?

CNS dysfunction and a core body temperature greater than 40.58C (1058F).

What is the clinical gold standard for obtaining core body temperature of patients with EHS?

Assessment of rectal temperature

What factors influence the risk of heat illness?

Ambient temperature, relative humidity, air motion (wind speed), and amount of radiant heat from the sun.

What is the normal core body temperature?

Approximately 378C (98.68F).

Where is the CNS temperature-regulation center located?

Hypothalamus

What is the most common EHI experienced by athletes?

Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps

What are some signs and symptoms of hyperthermia?

Dizziness, confusion, behavioral changes, coordination difficulties, decreased cognitive function, reduced physical performance, and collapse

What is the fastest way to decrease core body temperature?

Full-body Cold-Water Immersion (CWI)

How long should acclimatization to heat be maintained?

Individuals should be acclimatized to the heat gradually over 7 to 14 days. If heat acclimatization is not maintained, the physiologic benefits provided by this process will decay within 3 weeks.

What two purposes does body cooling serve in athletes with EHS?

Returning blood flow from the skin to the heart and lowering core body temperature by reducing the hypermetabolic state of the organs.