From the Guidelines
Hypothermia is caused by a combination of factors that lead to rapid heat loss from the body, including cold environment exposure, immersion in cold water, inadequate clothing or shelter, medical conditions, medications, alcohol or drug use, exhaustion or malnutrition, age extremes, and trauma or illness. The main causes of hypothermia can be summarized as follows:
- Cold environment exposure: Prolonged time outdoors in cold weather, especially when wet or windy, as noted in the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1
- Immersion in cold water: Can cause rapid heat loss due to water's high thermal conductivity
- Inadequate clothing or shelter: Not being properly dressed for cold conditions or lacking proper shelter
- Medical conditions: Certain disorders like hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, or stroke can impair the body's temperature regulation, as mentioned in the study by Perlman et al. 1
- Medications: Some drugs (e.g., sedatives, antipsychotics) can interfere with the body's heat-producing mechanisms
- Alcohol or drug use: Can impair judgment and reduce the body's ability to generate and retain heat
- Exhaustion or malnutrition: Reduces the body's ability to produce heat
- Age extremes: Very young children and older adults are more susceptible due to less efficient temperature regulation, as highlighted in the study by Danzl et al. 1
- Trauma or illness: Can affect the body's ability to maintain core temperature, as discussed in the study by Gentilello et al. 1 To prevent hypothermia, it is essential to dress in layers, stay dry, avoid prolonged exposure to cold, and be aware of wind chill factors, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. Recognizing early signs like shivering and seeking warmth immediately if symptoms occur is also crucial.
From the Research
Causes of Hypothermia
The causes of hypothermia can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Environmental factors, such as cold weather, low temperatures, and precipitation 2
- Individual characteristics, such as age, body composition, and gender 3
- Behavioral factors, such as alcohol use and smoking 4
- Socioeconomic factors, such as homelessness 2
- Physical activity, such as immersion in cold water or exposure to cold air 5, 3
Risk Factors
Certain groups of people are at a higher risk of developing hypothermia, including:
- Older adults 6
- Homeless or intoxicated people 6, 2
- Adventurers and military personnel 6
- Individuals with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications 5
Physiological Responses
The human body responds to cold exposure through various physiological mechanisms, including: