Epidemiology

Temperature-attributable deaths are much more likely as a result of cold rather than heat exposure.[4] Although traditionally common in regions experiencing severe winters, cases have also been reported in milder climates.[4][5][6]

Between 1995 and 2004, an estimated 15,574 of all emergency department visits in the US were hypothermia- or cold-related in nature.[7]​ On average, around 700 people die annually from accidental hypothermia in the US.[8]​​​​ From 2003 to 2013, a total of 13,419 deaths were recorded as hypothermia-related and unadjusted annual rates ranged from 0.3 to 0.5 per 100,000 population.[9]

From 2018 to 2020, deaths attributed to hypothermia or excessive cold were typically higher in more rural areas in the US. Higher death rates were noted in males regardless of urbanization level.[10]​​ Of deaths reported between 2003 and 2013 in the US, rates were highest among people ages 65 years or older (mean death rate for males and females were 1.8 and 1.1 per 100,000 of the population, respectively) and males accounted for 67% of deaths.[9]​ Approximately 10% of deaths were also reported to have alcohol or drug poisoning as a contributing cause.[9]

In the UK, the estimated annual number of hypothermia-related deaths is 300 per year, whereas in Canada, the annual incidence of deaths is 8000.[11]

In Japan - a country with a rapidly aging population - one retrospective review of an accidental hypothermia registry found that hypothermia was more likely to occur indoors and in people ages 65 years or older.[12][13]

Homeless people are at disproportionately higher risk of hypothermia as a result of cold exposure and substance misuse.[14][15][16]

One retrospective cohort study of the International Hypothermia Registry, which included 201 nonconsecutive cases, found that accidental hypothermia was largely identified in young men as a result of mountain accidents.[17]

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