During autonomic dysreflexia, what is the typical heart rate response accompanying the rise in blood pressure?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Tachycardia
• C. No change in heart rate
• D. Arrhythmia

Answer: (A)

During autonomic dysreflexia, the sudden rise in blood pressure triggers a baroreceptor reflex that increases parasympathetic (vagal) output to the heart. This reflex slows the heart rate, so bradycardia is the typical accompanying response to the BP elevation. The ongoing sympathetic discharge below the injury keeps the hypertension from resolving, but the heart rate commonly slows as the body attempts to counteract the high pressure. Tachycardia would not fit this reflex pattern, nor would a flat or mixed rhythm be the usual response unless other factors are at play, so the best answer is bradycardia.