Health education · cold sweats
Cold sweats: a warning sign to take seriously
Cold sweats mean you are sweating even though you feel cold. Cleveland Clinic describes them as “a warning sign that something’s not right,” not a condition on their own. This page explains common causes and when to get help. It is not a substitute for medical care.
Call 911 now if cold sweats come with:
- Chest discomfort, pressure, or pain, or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach
- Shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Dizziness or fainting, pale or ashen skin, or rapid breathing and heart rate (Cleveland Clinic lists these with cold sweats as possible signs of shock)
MedlinePlus advises calling 911 for heart attack symptoms “even if you are not sure it is a heart attack” (MedlinePlus).
Emergency
Do not wait it out
Cleveland Clinic stresses calling 911 when you feel cold and sweaty, even without classic heart attack symptoms like chest pain, and says shock “is a life-threatening emergency” (Cleveland Clinic).
For a person with diabetes or low blood sugar who becomes less alert or cannot be woken up, MedlinePlus says to call 911 (MedlinePlus).
See a provider
Get it checked even if it passed
Cleveland Clinic notes you “might feel OK when the sweating stops,” but without a medical exam you can’t know whether the cause is anxiety, stress, or a heart attack.
MedlinePlus advises contacting a provider if sweating comes with chest pain, fever, a rapid or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, or weight loss (MedlinePlus).
FAQ
Cold sweats: quick answers
What are cold sweats?
Are cold sweats dangerous?
What can cause cold sweats?
How are cold sweats different from night sweats?
Can antiperspirant help cold sweats?
Seven common causes Cleveland Clinic describes
Several conditions can bring on cold sweats (Cleveland Clinic). Only a healthcare provider can work out which one applies to you.
1. Endocrine disorders
Such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or, rarely, an adrenal tumor called pheochromocytoma.
2. Heart disease and heart attacks
Cold sweats are a common heart attack symptom. MedlinePlus lists breaking out in a cold sweat among possible heart attack symptoms (MedlinePlus).
3. Menopause and hormonal changes
After a hot flash, cold sweats can start as the body returns to its normal temperature.
4. Infections
As a fever from the flu or COVID-19 breaks, cold sweats can follow. Serious bacterial infections such as sepsis can also cause them.
5. Low blood sugar
A quick drop can make you feel cold and clammy. MedlinePlus lists sweating among low blood sugar symptoms and notes it can occur when blood sugar is only slightly low (MedlinePlus).
6. Pain and shock
Intense pain can trigger cold sweats. With dizziness, fainting, pale skin, or rapid breathing, they can signal shock, which needs immediate care (Cleveland Clinic: shock).
7. Stress, anxiety, and panic attacks
Panic attacks can cause symptoms similar to a heart attack. Cleveland Clinic advises getting immediate medical attention to rule out a heart attack.
Cold sweats, night sweats, and hot flashes
- Cold sweats come on suddenly for no apparent reason while you’re awake, even when you aren’t exerting yourself or in a warm place.
- Night sweats wake you from sleep with drenched pajamas and sheets. Cleveland Clinic says a rapid rise in body temperature triggers them.
- Hot flashes make you feel hot and sweaty. MedlinePlus notes heavy sweating can be a symptom of menopause (MedlinePlus).
Persistent sweating that happens mostly during sleep is also one of the reasons MedlinePlus gives for contacting a provider (MedlinePlus).
Prevention depends on the cause
Cleveland Clinic says the first step is finding the cause. Once something serious like a heart attack has been ruled out, steps may include healthy ways to manage stress, managing blood sugar, mental health support for anxiety or panic attacks, and treating conditions such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes.
Cold sweats are different from everyday heavy sweating in one or two areas such as the underarms or palms, which dermatologists call primary hyperhidrosis. If that is your concern, see the AAD hyperhidrosis guide or a dermatologist.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic: 7 common causes of cold sweats
- MedlinePlus: Heart attack
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Low blood sugar
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Sweating
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Sweating — excessive (hyperhidrosis)
- Cleveland Clinic: Shock first aid
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Hyperhidrosis — diagnosis and treatment
Educational information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Sources were opened and read on Nov 6, 2026.
When in doubt, get checked
Cold sweats can signal a serious problem. If you have warning signs, call 911. Otherwise, contact a healthcare provider to find the cause.
When to get helpRead the sourcesEducational information only, not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911. This page does not promote any product for cold sweats.
