Abstract
Elderly populations are prone to both hyperthermia and hypothermia because of innate physiologic changes associated with aging, the presence of chronic disease, and the use of polypharmacy. Hyperthermia is a true medical emergency with a high mortality rate, requiring rapid cooling and aggressive supportive care. Hypothermia is a common finding in elderly persons. Patients should be warmed in the least aggressive manner that will adequately treat their clinical situation. Hypothermia due to underlying disease carries a high mortality rate, as does the onset of ventricular fibrillation.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 213-229 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Journal | Clinics in Geriatric Medicine |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1994 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geriatrics and Gerontology