Several factors other than heat may determine whether or not a patient experiences heat illness.
Environmental factors:
(1) humidity
(2) air movement (wind or fans)
(3) exposure to direct sunlight (clouds, shade, head covering)
(4) altitude
Worker's current status:
(1) clothing
(2) low physical fitness
(3) not being acclimated
(4) level of exertion required
(5) opportunities to rest and recover
(6) dehydration and hydration status
(7) inability to sweat (sweat gland dysfunction, medications)
(8) ethanol or drugs of abuse
(9) food intake
Worker's general health:
(1) obesity
(2) previous history of heat stroke
(3) sleep deprivation
(4) acute illness
(5) age and chronic comorbid conditions
(6) medications (especially diuretics or antidepressants)
(7) electrolyte abnormalities
