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Heart Disease  (Expert Forum)
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Re: low body temperature
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Re: low body temperature

by CCF Cardio MD - MTR, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on August 13, 1998 at 22:30:45:

In Reply to: low body temperature posted by Jeanne Reed on August 11, 1998 at 21:57:44:






My father who is 83 years old is 13 years post stroke which left him
semi-paralized on his right side.  He can get around in his wheelchair
but has quit in his attempts to "hobble" (as I call it) about with his
quad cane.  Now, for the question.  As of late he has been complaining
of being cold most of the time.  Both my mom and I find this strange
especially with the very hot summer we have been having.  
The central AC is set very high approximately 78 degrees.  And often Mom turns
it off totally at his request.
He lays in bed fully clothed and covered with a blanket.  
I suspect he may have a pending problem related to the old stroke or
perhaps a new problem...any thoughts?  He has a physical due in October



   _
Dear Jeanne, thank you for your question.  You may have already read Susan's
response suggesting that peripheral neuropathy might be a cause of your father's
temperature intolerance, but I think that would be unlikely to suddenly arise
in someone his age.  Most likely, he has what's commonly called "poor circulation."
Atherosclerosis affects all arteries in the body, not just the coronary arteries
and can reduce blood flow to the extremities when major arteries supplying
the arms and the legs are involved.  When the extremities don't receive a normal
blood supply, the body has a difficult time regulating it's internal temperature
and temperature intolerance can result.  Additionally, your father's stroke could
have involved the hypothalamus of the brain which regulates the body's temperature.
When this occurs, patients typically feel cold no matter what the temperature is.
If this is truly becoming a problem, then he should see a good general internist
now, but if this only a nuisance, then he should be fine to wait until his
physical appointment in October.  It does not sound like your father is having
a new neurological event nor a cardiac event from the information you've provided.
I hope you find this information useful.  
Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Specific
diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.





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