hypercapnia

(hī″pĕr-kap′nē-ă )

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[ hyper- + Gr. kapnos, smoke + -ia ]
An increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood, typically to levels greater than 45 or 50 mm Hg. Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood result from inadequate ventilation or from massive mismatches between ventilation and perfusion of the blood. When CO2 levels are greater than 45 mm Hg, cerebral vasodilation can occur. Some of the common symptoms of hypercapnia include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, tremors, and twitching.
hypercapnic (-nik )
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, adj. ;
SYN: SEE: hypercarbia

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