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Are EtCO2 Levels Normally High Or Low During And After A Heart Attack?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Feb 2022
Question: During or After a heart attack are the Etc02 levels normally high or low?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may be both

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

During heart attack, especially at the beginning, patient may hyperventilate to compensate heart failure. This may cause normal c02 or even lower which is called hypocapnea. Consequently, ETCO2 would be normal or lower..

But, as heart failure worsens, circulation and respiration decreases and this leads to accumulation of CO" and high ETCO2. After heart attack, ETCO2 will be higher depending on severity of heart attack and heart muscle damage.

Wish you good health. Regards
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13888 Questions

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Are EtCO2 Levels Normally High Or Low During And After A Heart Attack?

Brief Answer: may be both Detailed Answer: Hi, During heart attack, especially at the beginning, patient may hyperventilate to compensate heart failure. This may cause normal c02 or even lower which is called hypocapnea. Consequently, ETCO2 would be normal or lower.. But, as heart failure worsens, circulation and respiration decreases and this leads to accumulation of CO" and high ETCO2. After heart attack, ETCO2 will be higher depending on severity of heart attack and heart muscle damage. Wish you good health. Regards