Hypothermia is a medical condition associated with loss of body heat, causing a reduction in the body's internal temperature to the point of interfering with the body's ability to regulate vital processes such as metabolism and heartbeat. In a healthy adult, body temperature is expected to vary between 36.5 and 37ºC, with values below 35ºC representing hypothermia. This reduction affects systemic homeostasis, altering organ functioning and can lead to fatal problems such as heart or respiratory failure.
The first sign of a drop in temperature is the involuntary shivering of the muscles in an attempt to keep the body warm. This occurs in cold environments or when bathing in very cold water.
Hypothermia occurs when a low internal body temperature interferes with the body's ability to regulate vital processes, such as metabolism and the heartbeat. One risk for hypothermia is getting wet, which vastly increases heat loss in the cold.
