Hypothermia overview

Hypothermia is a condition in which an organism’s temperature drops below that required for normal metabolism and bodily functions. In warm-blooded animals, core body temperature is maintained near a constant level through biologic homeostasis. But when the body is exposed to cold its internal mechanisms may be unable to replenish the heat that is being lost to the organism’s surroundings.

Hypothermia is the opposite of hyperthermia. Because the words sound alike, they are easily confused.

Profound hypothermia can be an indication to be placed on extracorporeal circulation (bypass pump).

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