Carbon dioxide(CO2)and bicarbonate (HCO3%u2212)concentrations in the bloodstream are physiologically controlled tokeep blood pH constant at a normal value of 7.4.
Physicians use thefollowing modified form of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation totrack changes in blood pH:
pH=pKa+log[HCO3%u2212](0.030)(PCO2)
where
[HCO3%u2212]is given in millimoles/liter and the arterial blood partialpressure of
CO2is given in
mmHg.The
pKaof carbonic acid is 6.1. Hyperventilation causes a physiologicalstate in which the concentration of
CO2in the bloodstream drops. The drop in the partial pressure of
CO2constricts arteries and reduces blood flow to the brain, causingdizziness or even fainting.