Which cardiovascular response is common in early hypothermia?

Which cardiovascular response is common in early hypothermia?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hyperthermia

Answer: (B)

Early hypothermia triggers a rapid sympathetic response as the body tries to preserve core temperature. Catecholamines released in this response increase heart rate (tachycardia) and cause peripheral vasoconstriction to boost vascular tone and cardiac output, helping maintain perfusion despite cooling. This tachycardia is a characteristic early cardiovascular change. As warming or cooling progresses, other changes can occur—hypotension may develop with more advanced or impaired cardiac function, and stress hormones can raise glucose briefly—but the earliest and most common cardiovascular change is an elevated heart rate. Hyperthermia is inconsistent with hypothermia, which is about cooling, not warming.

Early hypothermia triggers a rapid sympathetic response as the body tries to preserve core temperature. Catecholamines released in this response increase heart rate (tachycardia) and cause peripheral vasoconstriction to boost vascular tone and cardiac output, helping maintain perfusion despite cooling. This tachycardia is a characteristic early cardiovascular change. As warming or cooling progresses, other changes can occur—hypotension may develop with more advanced or impaired cardiac function, and stress hormones can raise glucose briefly—but the earliest and most common cardiovascular change is an elevated heart rate. Hyperthermia is inconsistent with hypothermia, which is about cooling, not warming.