asphyxia simply put means no oxygen getting to the brain - doesn’t denote the cause
I want to expand on your statement quoted above. Not only does asphyxia refer to no/insufficient oxygen getting to the brain, but to all the other tissues and organs of the body.
asphyxia
Human tissues and organs can survive differing levels of hypOpoxia (hypO = lOw) for differing amounts of time based on factors such as the general health of the individual, age, metabolic adaptation, metabolic speed and demand (could be influenced by factors such as activity, presence of drugs that may affect metabolism, cardiovascular health etc. etc. IMO), temperature (cases of individuals surviving hypoxia at low temperature for example).
I would like to add that, IMO, the occlusion of one or more coronary arteries, which supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle itself, could (again IMO), produce a situation of hypoxia to that particular organ with/without a general condition of hypoxia existing throughout the entire body at that moment. Of course, once the cells of the heart muscle are not receiving sufficient oxygen, glucose and other nutrients (and being also unable to rid themselves of waste products, such as CO2), they will be unable to function properly. This can result in the heart failing to be able to contract and pump efficiently. If this is not corrected, all other cells, tissues and organs of the body will also fail to receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function
I want to re emphasize that I like to explore all possibilities before forming a final decision on important decisions. I remain horrified by the treatment of Mr Floyd, and wish different decisions had been made that day.
ETA: I thought the ER doc today did a great job today, and he explained things MUCH better, and more accurately than any of the EMTs and paramedics called so far. It was blatantly obvious (IMO), that the Dr had a much more comprehensive understanding of the medical situation at hand.
