@em Hello, it is caused by prolonged exposure to cold or cold temperatures. When exposed to cold temperatures, the body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. Lengthy exposures will eventually use up your body’s stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature. When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system, and other organs can't work normally. Left untreated, hypothermia can lead to complete failure of your heart and can even cause death. The only precaution one can take is by staying warm in cold weather.