Which cardiovascular effects are possible as a result of stimulant abuse?

Which cardiovascular effects are possible as a result of stimulant abuse?

• A. Decreased heart rate and drowsiness
• B. Bradycardia and hypotension
• C. Increased heart rate (tachycardia) and hypertension
• D. Normal heart rate and blood pressure

Answer: (C)

Stimulant abuse often leads to heightened levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which significantly affect the cardiovascular system. When stimulants are consumed, they typically result in increased heart rate, a condition known as tachycardia. This is because stimulants elevate the heart's workload and speed up the electrical signals that control heartbeats. Additionally, there is a rise in blood pressure, termed hypertension, due to the narrow constriction of blood vessels and increased pumping force by the heart. This combination of increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure is characteristic of stimulant effects on the cardiovascular system, distinguishing it from the other options that propose decreased heart rate or normal blood pressure, which do not align with the physiological responses typically observed with stimulant use.

Stimulant abuse often leads to heightened levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which significantly affect the cardiovascular system. When stimulants are consumed, they typically result in increased heart rate, a condition known as tachycardia. This is because stimulants elevate the heart's workload and speed up the electrical signals that control heartbeats. Additionally, there is a rise in blood pressure, termed hypertension, due to the narrow constriction of blood vessels and increased pumping force by the heart. This combination of increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure is characteristic of stimulant effects on the cardiovascular system, distinguishing it from the other options that propose decreased heart rate or normal blood pressure, which do not align with the physiological responses typically observed with stimulant use.