A fever after myocardial infarction is most likely due to which mechanism?

Prepare for the Durham College Consolidation Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Ace your test!

Multiple Choice

A fever after myocardial infarction is most likely due to which mechanism?

Explanation:
Fever after a myocardial infarction is a sign of the inflammatory response to tissue injury. When heart muscle dies, inflammatory cells release endogenous pyrogens such as cytokines, which act on the hypothalamus to raise the body’s temperature set point via prostaglandin E2. This noninfectious fever is a normal part of healing and typically occurs within the first day or two after the event. While infection can cause fever, in this context the mechanism described—an immune response to tissue injury—is the best explanation.

Fever after a myocardial infarction is a sign of the inflammatory response to tissue injury. When heart muscle dies, inflammatory cells release endogenous pyrogens such as cytokines, which act on the hypothalamus to raise the body’s temperature set point via prostaglandin E2. This noninfectious fever is a normal part of healing and typically occurs within the first day or two after the event. While infection can cause fever, in this context the mechanism described—an immune response to tissue injury—is the best explanation.

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