Question: How might a high fever affect a person's heart and breathing rate?

Michael Kimwele answered on 21 Jul 2025:

A high fever can cause an increase in both heart and breathing rates as the body tries to regulate its temperature and respond to infection or illness. The elevated temperature speeds up the body’s metabolism, requiring the heart to pump more blood to transport oxygen and nutrients efficiently, leading to a faster heart rate. At the same time, the body needs more oxygen and must expel more carbon dioxide, which causes the breathing rate to rise. These changes help the body manage the stress of the fever but can become dangerous if the fever is very high or prolonged, especially in vulnerable individuals.