Constitutional symptom Extremities cold to touch 2024-03-08T14:46:39Z Peripheral vasoconstriction Cool or cold arms or legs related to peripheral vasoconstriction, the narrowing of blood vessels resulting from the contraction of muscular walls in large arteries and the small arterioles of skin and most internal organs. Following exposure to low ambient temperatures, vasoconstriction decreases heat dissipation from skin surfaces, thus preventing life-threatening hypothermia.