Cold sweats are sudden episodes of sweating that are not caused by heat or exercise. Your skin may feel cool, clammy, and moist, and you might experience chills or goosebumps at the same time.
While cold sweats are often harmless, they can sometimes signal a serious underlying medical condition. Knowing the difference could save your life.
What Are Cold Sweats?
Unlike normal sweating that helps regulate body temperature, cold sweats usually happen when the body is under stress. This can be physical stress (like illness or injury) or emotional stress (like anxiety or fear).
Cold sweats may occur suddenly and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, nausea, or rapid heartbeat.
When Are Cold Sweats an Emergency?
Seek urgent medical help if cold sweats happen together with:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Pain spreading to the neck, jaw, or arm
- Shortness of breath
- Blue lips or fingers
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Confusion or extreme weakness
- Severe unexplained pain
- Very high or very low body temperature
- Pale, cool skin
These symptoms could indicate a heart attack, shock, severe infection, or another life-threatening condition.
Common Causes of Cold Sweats
1. Anxiety and Stress
One of the most common causes. When your body goes into “fight-or-flight” mode, stress hormones increase heart rate and blood pressure, triggering sweating.
Other symptoms:
- Fast heartbeat
- Shaking
- Rapid breathing
- Feeling tense or on edge
2. Infection
Flu, COVID-19, and other infections can cause fever and cold sweats, especially when a fever breaks.
Other symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
If infection spreads into the bloodstream (sepsis), it becomes a medical emergency.
3. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Common in people with diabetes.
Other symptoms:
- Shaking
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Confusion
Low blood sugar can become dangerous quickly and requires immediate treatment.
4. Heart Problems
Cold sweats are a classic warning sign of a heart attack.
Other symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Pain spreading to the arm or jaw
If suspected, call emergency services immediately.
5. Fainting (Syncope)
Cold sweats often occur just before losing consciousness.
Warning signs:
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Blurred or graying vision
- Weakness
6. Shock
Shock happens when blood flow to vital organs drops dangerously low.
Symptoms include:
- Weak pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
Shock is life-threatening and requires urgent medical care.
7. Drug or Alcohol Withdrawal
Withdrawal from certain substances can trigger sweating along with tremors and mood changes.
8. Severe Pain
Intense pain from injuries, kidney stones, or other conditions may trigger cold sweats.
9. Cancer (Especially Night Sweats)
Certain cancers can cause heavy night sweating and unexplained cold sweats, often alongside fatigue and weight loss.
10. Hormonal and Endocrine Disorders
Thyroid problems, menopause, and other hormonal imbalances may contribute to abnormal sweating patterns.
Less Common Causes
- Dehydration
- Blood loss
- Medication side effects
- Endocrine disorders
- Vitamin deficiencies
Cold Sweats vs Excessive Sweating
Cold sweats are usually linked to stress or medical conditions.
Excessive sweating that happens unpredictably and without clear triggers may be a condition called hyperhidrosis.
How Are Cold Sweats Treated?
Treatment depends entirely on the cause:
- Anxiety: Deep breathing, stress management
- Infection: Hydration and medical care
- Low blood sugar: Immediate sugar intake
- Heart-related causes: Emergency treatment
- Severe pain or injury: Address underlying condition
If cold sweats are unexplained, frequent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment if you experience:
- Recurrent cold sweats
- Night sweats without clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing fatigue
- Persistent dizziness
Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Cold sweats are often harmless and linked to anxiety or minor illness. However, they can sometimes be a warning sign of serious health problems like heart attack, shock, or severe infection.
If cold sweats occur suddenly with chest pain, breathing difficulty, or confusion, treat it as a medical emergency.