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Related Concept Videos

Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation01:25

Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation refers to a higher-than-normal rate and depth of breathing, often associated with anxiety attacks. This excessive breathing surpasses the body's need to expel CO2, leading to a condition known as hypocapnia - an unusually low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypocapnia can constrict cerebral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which may result in dizziness or fainting. Early signs include tingling and muscle spasms in the hands and face, caused by falling...
Alterations in Respiration II01:30

Alterations in Respiration II

There are numerous types of normal and abnormal respiration. Based on ventilatory movements, breathing patterns are classified as regular, deep, or shallow. Examples include Biot's breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul's breathing, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. Each pattern is clinically significant and aids in evaluating patients.
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
Acute Respiratory Failure-III01:30

Acute Respiratory Failure-III

Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without causing...
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis01:24

Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis

Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2  and HCO3−  values are examined to...
Acute Respiratory Failure-II01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-II

Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
07:52

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department

Published on: January 29, 2011

Elevated lactate during psychogenic hyperventilation.

E ter Avest1, F M Patist, J C Ter Maaten

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30001, NL-9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. teravestewoud@hotmail.com

Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|July 28, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Elevated lactate levels are common in psychogenic hyperventilation but not a sign of poor outcome. In these patients, high lactate is linked to hypocapnia and alkalosis, not acidosis.

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Evaluation of Blood Lactate and Plasma Insulin During High-intensity Exercise by Antecubital Vein Catheterization
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Evaluation of Blood Lactate and Plasma Insulin During High-intensity Exercise by Antecubital Vein Catheterization

Published on: May 18, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Elevated arterial lactate levels often indicate poor patient outcomes.
  • Psychogenic hyperventilation is a common presentation in emergency departments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between arterial lactate, Pco(2), and pH in patients with psychogenic hyperventilation.
  • To determine if elevated lactate levels in this patient group are associated with adverse outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 46 patients diagnosed with psychogenic hyperventilation in an emergency department.
  • Arterial blood gas and lactate levels measured using a point-of-care analyzer.
  • Multivariate analysis to identify predictors of lactate levels.

Main Results:

  • 30% of patients with psychogenic hyperventilation had elevated lactate levels (>1.5 mmol/l).
  • Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco(2)) was the strongest predictor of lactate levels.
  • None of the patients required hospitalization or medical treatment beyond observation.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated lactate levels are frequently observed in psychogenic hyperventilation.
  • Unlike other conditions, high lactate in this context is associated with hypocapnia and alkalosis, not acidosis.
  • Elevated arterial lactate should not be considered an adverse sign in patients with psychogenic hyperventilation.