Which symptom is commonly associated with heat exhaustion?

Rapid heart rate is a common symptom associated with heat exhaustion because the body's response to heat stress involves the cardiovascular system working harder to cool down. When a person experiences heat exhaustion, they may lose significant amounts of water and salt through sweating, leading to dehydration. Along with other symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea, the body compensates for decreased blood volume by increasing heart rate. This elevated heart rate helps to maintain blood circulation and ensure that vital organs continue to receive adequate blood flow despite the challenges posed by heat and potential dehydration.

Other symptoms like fever, chills, or increased appetite are not typically linked to heat exhaustion. Fever and chills suggest the presence of an infection or illness, which is different from the dehydration and heat-related stress seen in heat exhaustion. An increased appetite also wouldn't align with the body's response to overheating or dehydration, where the body often has a limited desire for food due to nausea and overall discomfort.