The definition and diagnosis of cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet: Finding from the experts survey

Abstract

BackgroundCold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) is a symptom patients usually feel cold in their hands and feet, but not dealt with a disease in western medicine. However, it is often appealed by patients at a clinic of Korean medicine (KM), considered to be a sort of key diagnostic indicator, and actively treated by physicians. Nevertheless, there is no standardized diagnostic definition for CHHF. Therefore, we surveyed KM experts’ opinions to address the clinical definition, diagnostic criteria, and other relevant things on CHHF.MethodsWe developed a survey to assess the definition, diagnosis, causes, and accompanying symptoms on CHHF. 31 experts who work at specialized university hospitals affiliated with KM hospitals consented to participation. Experts responded to survey questions by selecting multiple-choice answers or stating their opinions.ResultsVast majority of experts (83.8%) agreed with our definition on CHHF (“a feeling of cold as a symptom; that one's hands or feet become colder than those of average people in temperatures that are not normally perceived as cold”). 77.4% of experts considered subjective symptoms on CHHF were more important than medical instrument results. Constitution or genetic factors (87.1%) and stress (64.5%) were the most common causes reported for CHHF.ConclusionsThis study offers an expert consensus regarding the themes, opinions, and experiences of practitioners with CHHF. Our results underscore the need for standardized definitions and diagnostic criteria for CHHF.

Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet is associated with erectile dysfunction in young Taiwanese men

“…Individuals with CHHF experience higher psychological stress 8 , which results in variable functional disorders 10 , 15 that are also associated with ED 9 . By contrast, individuals with CHHF have a lower incidence of HTN, DM, dyslipidemia, stroke, fatty liver, and angina pectoris 10 , which reduces the risk of ED 2 , 9 .…”

“…Theoretically, hypersensitive vasoconstriction of the terminal vessels of the internal iliac artery, namely, the penile artery, negatively affects erectile function. CHHF, caused by contraction of blood vessels in the extremities due to psychological stress, neurovascular disease, or medical factors 8 , can increase the risk of developing ED 2 , 9 . Conversely, CHHF has also been reported to be associated with lower rates of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases including hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), impaired fasting glucose, dyslipidemia, stroke, fatty liver, and angina pectoris 10 , which are known risk factors of ED 2 , 9 .…”

Exploratory study of cold hypersensitivity in Japanese women: genetic associations and somatic symptom burden

“…Normal cold sensation is essential for humans to perceive the surrounding environment and thermoregulation. However, some individuals report experiencing cold hypersensitivity (Hie or Hiesho in Japanese), characterized by a subjective cold sensation over the body despite the ambient temperature being within the normal range 1 , 2 . Individuals with cold hypersensitivity may experience delayed rewarming due to prolonged vasoconstriction when exposed to cold environments or sudden temperature drops 3 – 5 .…”

Efficacy and safety of sympathetic radiofrequency thermocoagulation in the treatment of cold hypersensitivity

“…Cold hypersensitivity (CH) is a feeling of coldness in the limbs and (or) body of a patient in an environment that is not considered cold by an unaffected person or a strong feeling of coldness at relatively low temperatures mostly seen in Asian women especially those with a low body mass index (BMI) ( 1 , 2 ). However, the prevalence of this condition in Westerners has not been reported epidemiologically.…”