hypothermia
1. the bodily state when the core TEMPERATURE falls below 35┬░C (95┬░F) as a result of prolonged exposure to cold. At first, shivering occurs and the heart works harder to increase the flow of blood around the body. However, eventually shivering ceases and, with increasing chilling, the function of the body organs becomes disturbed and cardiac output falls. The tissues require less oxygen as their functions start to fail, but eventually the heart is unable to supply even this reduced demand. The symptoms of hypothermia are fatigue and confusion followed by unconsciousness and death. The elderly are particularly at risk because of inadequate domestic heating. 2. A state of artificial hypothermia is occasionally induced during surgery to reduce the oxygen requirements of the tissues and enable the circulation to be briefly halted.
Cold weather can affect your body in different ways. You can get frostbite, which is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Your body can also lose heat faster than you can produce it. That can cause hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. It can make you sleepy, confused, and clumsy. Because it happens gradually and affects your thinking, you may not realize you need help. That makes it especially dangerous. A body temperature below 95 °F (35 °C) is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated promptly.
Anyone who spends much time outdoors in cold weather can get hypothermia. You can also get it from being cold and wet, or under cold water for too long. Babies and old people are especially at risk. Babies can get it from sleeping in a cold room.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
hypothermia