Hypothermia is dangerously low body temperature, below 95 °F (35 °C).

Low body temperature; Cold exposure

Persons most likely to experience hypothermia include those who are:

• Very old or very young
• Chronically ill, especially who have heart or blood flow problems
• Malnourished
• Overly tired
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Hypothermia occurs when more heat is lost than the body can generate. It is usually caused by extended exposure to the cold.

Common causes include:

• Being outside without enough protective clothing in winter
• Falling overboard from a boat into cold water
• Wearing wet clothing in windy or cold weather
• Heavy exertion, not drinking enough fluids, or not eating enough in cold weather

Images

Skin layers

Exercise - dress appropriately

Review Date: 01/14/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)