Risk Factors for Hypothermia
| About risk factors: Risk factors for Hypothermia are factors that do not seem to be a direct cause of the disease, but seem to be associated in some way. Having a risk factor for Hypothermia makes the chances of getting a condition higher but does not always lead to Hypothermia. Also, the absence of any risk factors or having a protective factor does not necessarily guard you against getting Hypothermia. For general information and a list of risk factors, see the risk center. |
Risk factor list: The list of risk factors mentioned for Hypothermia in various sources includes:
- Infants
- Elderly
- Cold weather
- Freezing weather
- Windy conditions
- Wet body or clothes
- Alcohol consumption
- Certain drugs
Risk factors discussion: People who live in poorly heated homes risk getting accidental hypothermia when the weather is cold. Even mildly cool temperatures of 60° F (15.5° C) to 65° F (18.3° C) can trigger the condition. Homes can have inadequate insulation, or people with low incomes and little savings may keep temperatures in the dangerous range as they try to keep heating bills down.1
People who live in poorly heated homes risk getting accidental hypothermia when the weather is cold. Even mildly cool temperatures of 60° F (15.5° C) to 65° F (18.3° C) can trigger the condition. Homes can have inadequate insulation, or people with low incomes and little savings may keep temperatures in the dangerous range as they try to keep heating bills down.1
Older people may be vulnerable to hypothermia even when they live in nursing homes or group facilities. These institutions have to be careful when lowering temperatures, because patients who are already sick may have special difficulty keeping warm.1
Older people may be vulnerable to hypothermia even when they live in nursing homes or group facilities. These institutions have to be careful when lowering temperatures, because patients who are already sick may have special difficulty keeping warm.1
Older people are at risk of hypothermia not only in cold weather, but in mildly cool temperatures as well. 1
Older people are at risk of hypothermia not only in cold
weather, but in mildly cool temperatures as well.
1
Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Accidental Hypothermia - Age Page - Health Information: NIA
Last revision:
Oct 28, 2003
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