Anyone can develop heatstroke, but several factors increase a person’s risk:

 Age. The ability to cope with extreme heat depends of the strength of the central nervous
system. In the very young, the central nervous system is not fully developed, and in adults
over 65, the central nervous system begins to deteriorate, which makes the body less able to
cope with changes in body temperature. Both age groups usually have difficulty remaining
hydrated, which also increases risk.

 Exertion in hot weather. Military training and participating in sports, such as football, in
hot weather are among the situations that can lead to heatstroke.

 Sudden exposure to hot weather. A person may be more susceptible to heat-related

illness if he is exposed to a sudden increase in temperature, such as during an early-summer
heat wave or travel to a hotter climate. Activity must be limited for at least several days to
allow one’s self to acclimate to the change. However, a person may still have an increased
risk of heatstroke until he has experienced several weeks of higher temperatures.

 A lack of air conditioning. Fans may make a person feel better, but during sustained hot
weather, air conditioning is the most effective way to cool down and lower humidity.

 Certain medications. Some medications affect the body's ability to stay hydrated and
respond to heat. Persons may be especially careful in hot weather if they take medications
that narrow the blood vessels (vasoconstrictors), regulate blood pressure by blocking
adrenaline (beta blockers), rid the body of sodium and water (diuretics), or reduce psychiatric
symptoms (antidepressants or antipsychotics).
Stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and illegal stimulants such as
amphetamines and cocaine also make a person more vulnerable to heatstroke.

 Certain health conditions. Certain chronic illnesses, such as heart or lung disease, might
increase the risk of heatstroke. So can being obese, being sedentary and having a history of
previous heatstroke.