Condition

Consequence

peripheral vascular disease

problems with temperature regulation, increased risk of frostbite

uncontrolled hypertension

may be worsened by cold-induced vasoconstriction

heart disease (coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, angina, previous myocardial infarction, previous coronary artery bypass surgery)

associated with generalized vascular disease

Raynaud's phenomenon

vasoconstriction

cold agglutinin disease or cryoglobulinemia

poor peripheral circulation

cold or exercise induced asthma

bronchospasm may be induced by cold

hypothyroidism or hypoglycemia

compromised metabolic response to demands

previous history of frostbite

cold intolerance, vasospasm

compulsive smoking

peripheral vasoconstriction, vascular disease

age extremes - very young or very old

decreased heat production in the elderly, high surface area with heat loss in infants

alcohol and substance abuse

lack of awareness of impending injury and ability to respond appropriately

medications (major tranquilizers, anticholinergic agents, beta blockers)

interfere with temperature regulation or heat production

excessive sweating

increased heat loss

severe mental illness

lack of awareness of impending injury

unconsciousness

lack of awareness of impending injury, possible problems in heat regulation