Heat cramps are caused by loss of what through perspiration?

• A. Muscle spasms that result from loss of large amounts of salt and water through perspiration
• B. Calcium deficiency
• C. Lactic acid buildup
• D. Overhydration

Answer: (A)

Heat cramps occur when you lose a lot of fluids and salts through sweating. Sweat contains both water and electrolytes, especially sodium, and in hot, prolonged activity this loss can be substantial. When these electrolytes are depleted, nerve signals to the muscles can become irregular, causing painful muscle spasms or cramps. Replacing only water without electrolytes can worsen the imbalance. Calcium deficiency isn’t caused by sweating and isn’t the typical trigger for heat cramps; lactic acid buildup is more about fatigue from intense effort, not the salt loss behind cramps; and overhydration causes other problems but doesn’t explain cramps from sweating salts.