L'ipotermia nell'anziano: un caso da brividi

Hypothermia is a medical emergency in patients with a body temperature lower than 35°C (95°F) due to prolonged exposure to ambient cold temperatures without appropriate protection. This condition has a 5-fold increased risk of death in the elderly. Usually, diagnosis is suggested by warning signs and symptoms like lethargy, weakness and loss of coordination, confusion and reduced respiratory or heart rate. We report the case of a 76-year-old woman who was referred to our center for symptomatic sinus bradycardia and with typical electrocardiographic abnormalities (Osborn wave) that suggested the diagnosis of severe hypothermia. (G Ital Cardiol 2007; 8 (4): 260-263)