Heatstroke is the most hazardous condition in a spectrum of illnesses progressing from heat exhaustion to heatstroke, in which a shared finding is hyperthermia (i.e., the rise in core body temperature when heat accumulation overrides heat dissipation during exercise or exposure to environmental heat stress).Clinically, heatstroke is characterized by central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, multiorgan failure, and extreme hyperthermia(usually >40.5°C).

This review summarizes current knowledge about heatstroke, which is often misinterpreted or overlooked, focusing on its relevance for medical practitioners.