HYPERTHERMIA AND HYPOTHERMIA IN THE ELDERLY

Elderly populations are prone to both hyperthermia and hypothermia because of inate physiologic changes associated with aging, the presence of chronic disease, and the use of polypharmacy. Hyperthermia is a true medical emergency which requires rapid cooling and aggressive supportive care and has a high mortality rate. Hypothermia is a common finding among the elderly. Patients should be warmed in the least aggressive manner which will adequately treat their clinical situation. Hypothermia due to underlying disease carries a high mortality rate as does the onset of venticular fibrillation.