Fatal Heat Stroke in a Schizophrenic Patient

Table 1

Conditons contributing to the risk of heat illness.

	Risk factors	Mechanism
Physical conditions	Prolonged exertion
	Fever
	Dehydration
Medications	Drugs of abuse: amphetamines, heroine, cocaine, LSD, ethanol.	Increase endogenous heat production
	Anticholinergic: tricyclic antidepressants, antispasmodics and phenothiazides.	Disrupt hypothalamic function and reduce sweating
	Beta-adrenergic and Calcium channel blockers	Inhibit the compensatory increase in cardiac output
	Diuretics	Produce a relative state of dehydration that affects central thermoregulation and sweating
	Others: antiparkinsonian agents, antihistamines
Chronic illness	Cardiac conditions
	Cystic fibrosis
	Extensive skin disease
	Hyperthyroidism
	Psychiatric conditions
Older age