Understanding Hypothermia: The silent killer that shuts down the body
Once hypothermia sets in, the body becomes too cold and starts to lose its ability to function properly.
HYPOTHERMIA is a silent but deadly medical emergency that can cause vital organs such as the heart and brain to stop functioning when the body temperature drops too low.
Public Health Medicine Specialist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said that the condition occurs when a person’s core body temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius due to prolonged exposure to extremely cold environments.
“The normal body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius. Once hypothermia sets in, the body becomes too cold and starts to lose its ability to function properly,” he said when contacted by Sinar Ahad.
Dr Zainal said hypothermia usually begins with intense shivering, but can quickly escalate to confusion, drowsiness and eventually fainting as the body’s temperature continues to fall.
“Death from hypothermia happens because the heart and brain stop functioning when body temperature becomes critically low,” he said.
He added that in extreme cold, the body’s systems can completely shut down, not merely from the chill itself, but from the failure of vital organs to sustain basic functions.
“When exposed to prolonged cold, the heart stops pumping blood, the brain ceases to function. It’s a total body shutdown,” Dr Zainal said.
As a preventive measure, he advised the public to wear layered clothing in cold environments, noting that several thin layers are more effective than a single thick one.
“The innermost layer should be made of moisture-wicking materials like synthetic fabric or wool to keep the skin dry, while the outer layer should be windproof and waterproof,” he added.
Dr Zainal also reminded that early signs of hypothermia should never be ignored, as quick intervention can mean the difference between life and death.
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