An endurance runner collapses from heatstroke with a core temperature of 106°F. Which mechanism explains the cascade toward organ failure in this condition?

💡 Explanation

Uncontrolled hyperthermia leads to heatstroke because the elevated temperatures directly denature proteins essential for cellular function, therefore disrupting enzymatic activity and causing widespread cell death, rather than cortisol elevation, electrolyte imbalances, or lactate accumulation being the primary drivers.

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