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What Causes Recurrent Cold And Chills Sensation In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Tue, 11 Jul 2017
Question: Hi my husband frequently reports feeling cold and having chills at night and puts on double shirts plus turning up the heat in the bedroom. He is 80 years old. This evening I observed him begin to shake uncontrollably, stating he was cold, his lips got blue, his hands were cold. He had just been exercising his upper body and arms using a free weight (25 lbs) What should we be worried about? He is currently sitting in a bathroom with the heat on and two sweatshirts. Says he is feeling better. His voice was shaking too as he was shaking so severely. I am usually asleep when the freezing sensation occurs. This was frightening.
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Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Blood vessel constriction

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

From what you said there is a peripheral vasoconstriction in the entire body. That means the blood vessels are constricted and giving compensatory blood flow to the vital organs. Hence he is shivering a lot. Heat causes the blood flow into the limbs now.
I am not sure what caused this blood vessel constriction in the limbs. It has to be worked out properly. Besides I see a number of medicines that he takes for heart failure and Blood pressure.
I think you should not waste time at home. Get him to emergency for evaluation and that is appropriate step.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

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What Causes Recurrent Cold And Chills Sensation In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Blood vessel constriction Detailed Answer: Hi, From what you said there is a peripheral vasoconstriction in the entire body. That means the blood vessels are constricted and giving compensatory blood flow to the vital organs. Hence he is shivering a lot. Heat causes the blood flow into the limbs now. I am not sure what caused this blood vessel constriction in the limbs. It has to be worked out properly. Besides I see a number of medicines that he takes for heart failure and Blood pressure. I think you should not waste time at home. Get him to emergency for evaluation and that is appropriate step.