A 52-year-old male suffered a myocardial infarction secondary to atherosclerosis and ischemia. Once oxygen returned to the damaged heart, reperfusion injury occurred as a result of:
A) free radical formation.
B) vacuolation.
C) increased metabolic state.
D) lactic acid accumulation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reperfusion injury occurs when the blood supply returns to tissues after a period of ischemia. The sudden increase in oxygen availability can lead to the production of free radicals which can cause further damage to the tissues. This is why A) free radical formation is the best choice. Vacuolation, increased metabolic state, and lactic acid accumulation may occur as a result of ischemia, but they are not directly related to reperfusion injury.

A 52-Year-Old Male Suffered a Myocardial Infarction Secondary to Atherosclerosis