The cells would become energy starved leading to ischemia and then infarction. This is if one was unable to do anything else to maintain the homeostasis.
You body however is able to utilize several mechabisms, primarily the use of fats and in extreme cases muscle tissue for the use of energy and ATP production through anaerobic metabolisis.
By accepting that they did not "feel themselves get tagged" its better to end the conflict as soon as possible instead of letting it get heated and out of control.
