Hypercarbia

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Hypercarbia means to have more than normal CO₂ (Carbon dioxide) levels in the blood.

• Value is usually obtained while performing a basic Chem-7 blood test, which tests for basic electrolyte levels from a blood sample.

• Normal values of CO₂ for anyone over 2 years of age is between 22 and 26 mmol/L.

• Increased levels of serum CO₂ are found in some disease processes such as COPD and emphysema and is related to the lung’s decreased capacity for effective gas exchange.

• Hypercarbia has been used to induce NDE-like experiences in patients, and to treat mental disorders.

• VA = (VT-VD) X breaths/min is a formula that can calculate ventilation in the alveolar (VA).

• Hypercarbia can be caused by decreased tidal volume (VT), increased dead space (VD), or decreased breaths per minute.

• Hypercapnia
• Respiratory system

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