Heat cramps, a type of heat illness, are muscle spasms that result from loss of large amount of salt and water through exercise.
This can be caused by inadequate consumption of fluids or electrolytes.
Heat cramps can indicate a more severe problem in someone with heart disease or if they last for longer than an hour.
[2] In order to prevent them, one may drink electrolyte solutions such as sports drinks during exercise or strenuous work or eat potassium-rich foods like bananas and apples.
When heat cramps occur, the affected person should avoid strenuous work and exercise for several hours to allow for recovery.