Hypothermia

Subnormal core body temperature (<35°C or <95°F), resulting from heat loss exceeding heat production and leading to progressive depression of cardiovascular, respiratory, and central nervous system function.

Causes

• Environmental exposure: Cold weather, swimming

• Endocrine and metabolic causes

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Hypoglycemia

  • Adrenal insufficiency

  • Reduced metabolic heat production

• Cardiovascular causes

  • Poor peripheral blood circulation

  • Shock

  • Heart failure with reduced tissue perfusion

• Nutritional causes

  • Malnutrition

  • Starvation

  • Low body fat reducing thermal insulation

• Physical causes

  • Physical exhaustion or fatigue

  • Prolonged immobilization

  • Trauma

• Medication and substances

  • Alcohol

  • Sedatives

  • Antidepressants

  • Antipsychotics

  • β-blockers

• Sepsis

• Advanced age