What is a symptom often associated with heat exhaustion?

The symptom most commonly associated with heat exhaustion is a rapid heart rate. When the body overheats, it works harder to cool itself down, which can lead to an increase in heart rate as blood flow is directed to the skin to facilitate sweating and heat loss. In heat exhaustion, the body is trying to cope with excessive heat by increasing circulation to promote cooling, which often results in a faster than normal heart rate.

In contrast, dilated pupils are not typically a symptom of heat exhaustion; they are more associated with other medical conditions or reactions, such as shock or trauma. Dry skin might indicate heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion, as heat exhaustion usually presents with moist skin due to perspiration. While headaches can occur with heat exhaustion, they are less indicative of the condition compared to a rapid heart rate, which directly reflects the body’s response to overheating.