Why does fetal distress (hypoxia) cause bradycardia and not tachycardia?

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Polycherry

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In a non stress test performed in the labor room, fetal bradycardia is a danger sign indicating fetal distress (hypoxia).

Why does fetal hypoxia cause bradycardia while hypoxia in adults cause tachycardia? What is the mechanism for both and why is it reverse?

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In a non stress test performed in the labor room, fetal bradycardia is a danger sign indicating fetal distress (hypoxia).

Why does fetal hypoxia cause bradycardia while hypoxia in adults cause tachycardia? What is the mechanism for both and why is it reverse?

So the review article below has a great description and answer to your question but to put it simply: fetal hypoxia --> signal to slow HR --> decreases O2 usage in the periphery. But I'm the adult you have mature chemosensors to decreases O2 which trigger increase CO.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4721497/#!po=3.75000


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