Shortness of breath occurs when the damage to the heart limits the output of the left ventricle, causing left ventricular failure and consequent pulmonary edema. Other symptoms include diaphoresis (an excessive form of sweating), weakness, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations. These symptoms are likely induced by a massive surge of catecholamines from the sympathetic nervous system, which occurs in response to pain and the blood flow abnormalities that result from dysfunction of the heart muscle. Loss of consciousness (due to inadequate blood flow to the brain and cardiogenic shock) and sudden death (frequently due to the development of ventricular fibrillation) can occur in MIs. COUNT 3
QSN1 When might an individual experience shortness of breath? ANS1 heart limits the output of the left ventricle QSN2 What does diaphoresis refer to? ANS2 excessive form of sweating QSN3 What might cause an individual to lose consciousness from MI? ANS3 inadequate blood flow to the brain