Physiological Explanation Of Heart Attack Symptoms?
Tuesday
Oct 27, 2009
I know the symptoms but was wondering about the actual physiological mechanisms that cause them. If anyone knows the reason for any of the following symtpoms occurance during, in the lead up to or after a heart attack please help me out!
Cold Sweat?
Skin paling?
Difficulty breathing (acute and prolonged)
Prolonged fatigue?
Rapid heart beat?
lightheadedness/dizziness?
Fainting?
Also, do many of these symtpoms have something to do with the autonomic nervous system going haywire?
Thanks!!
Comments
Michael J
October 27th, 2009 at 2:53 am
Choilesterol deposits in blood, or blood clots, prolapsed valve, leaking valve(it may be called myosomething infarction?), irregular heartbeat which has an uneven intake/output of blood during the beating process, low oxygen concentration in blood. Hyperventilation, difficulty breathing and a rapid heart rate due to need of oxygen intake, anxiety due to lightheadedness/fainting and a cold sweat due to lack of proper body temp regulation.
Pale skin is evident with all major illness. Good Luck. I hope you keep in mind that these are only some of the reasons, and that many people will offer you more helpful suggestions. Sometimes, even doctors get on here to answer.
momfirst
October 27th, 2009 at 3:01 am
Severe pain causes neurogenic shock.These are all symptoms of that shock.
Will T
October 27th, 2009 at 3:39 am
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction is when the blood supply to your heart muscle (through coronary arteries) is cut off to the point that there is not sufficient oxygen to keep your myocardium (heart muscle) alive.
This causes necrosis (death) of heart muscle which is what causes the severe pain. The cardiac output of the heart (volume pumped out) falls and so blood supply to the tissues drops, causing the paleness. As a response to the lack of oxygen, the heart rate is increased (as it is in exercise) to try to get sufficient blood to your tissues.
Breathlessness occurs due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the tissues) but also severe chest pain can cause difficulty breathing. The dizziness and fainting are caused by lack of oxygen to your brain. Other symptoms are a result of shock.