How is body temperature affected by a heart attack?

During a heart attack, the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen-rich blood, leading to tissue damage and a decrease in cardiac output. This can result in a drop in body temperature, known as hypothermia. The body's normal temperature range is between 36.5°C and 37.5°C, and hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below 35°C.

Several factors contribute to the decrease in body temperature during a heart attack:

Impaired circulation: A heart attack obstructs blood flow to the heart muscle and reduces the overall pumping efficiency of the heart. This leads to a decrease in the circulation of warm blood throughout the body, resulting in a drop in body temperature.

Peripheral vasoconstriction: In response to the reduced blood flow, the body initiates peripheral vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities. This constriction redirects blood flow to vital organs, but it also contributes to the decrease in skin temperature, further promoting heat loss.

Reduced metabolic activity: The damaged heart muscle has decreased energy production, leading to a reduction in metabolic activity. This results in less heat being generated by the body, contributing to the overall drop in body temperature.

In severe cases of a heart attack, the body may struggle to maintain its temperature, and hypothermia can develop. Hypothermia can further worsen the situation by causing abnormalities in the heart's electrical conduction, potentially leading to arrhythmias and further complications.

Therefore, monitoring body temperature during and after a heart attack is crucial to assess the patient's overall condition, detect complications such as hypothermia, and guide appropriate medical interventions.