Question 11: All of the following changes occur in chronic starvation except?
- A. Hyperthermia (Correct Answer)
- B. Exhaustion
- C. Heart atrophy
- D. Hypotension
Explanation: ***Hyperthermia***
- Chronic starvation triggers a compensatory decrease in the **Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)**, which is intended to conserve energy and heat production.
- The resulting physiological state is typically **hypothermia** (low body temperature) due to both decreased metabolism and loss of insulating subcutaneous fat, meaning hyperthermia does *not* occur.
*Exhaustion*
- **Profound exhaustion** occurs due to the catabolism of muscle protein and fat reserves, leading to overall muscle wasting and weakness.
- Lack of adequate caloric intake also results in states like **anemia** and **hypoglycemia**, which severely limit physical stamina and mental capacity.
*Heart atrophy*
- The heart, like skeletal muscle, undergoes **autocannibalism** (breakdown of protein) to supply amino acids for essential organ function.
- This reduction in myocardial mass (atrophy) severely compromises **cardiac output** and contributes significantly to clinical instability and potential sudden death.
*Hypotension*
- **Low blood pressure** results from decreased effective circulating volume and reduced **cardiac output** stemming from bradycardia and myocardial atrophy.
- Severe fluid and electrolyte shifts, often coupled with volume depletion, further exacerbate the tendency toward **orthostatic hypotension**.