Could One Die of Hyperventilation?

Because hyperventilation leads to imbalances in oxygen and carbon dioxide, which your body needs in order to function, the complications of hyperventilation can be very severe, even life threatening in some cases.

What happens if you hyperventilate for too long?

Low carbon dioxide levels lead to narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. This reduction in blood supply to the brain leads to symptoms like lightheadedness and tingling in the fingers. Severe hyperventilation can lead to loss of consciousness.

Can you have a heart attack from hyperventilation?

In very rare cases, people who hyperventilate can have low carbon dioxide blood levels that can cause a spasm of the blood vessels that supply the heart. If a person already has heart disease, this spasm may be enough to cause a heart attack.