Which medication class may cause reflex tachycardia as a side effect?

The correct answer is that nitrates can cause reflex tachycardia as a side effect. Nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, are used to relieve angina by dilating blood vessels and decreasing myocardial oxygen demand. However, when blood vessels are dilated, there can be a decrease in blood pressure. The body may respond to this drop in blood pressure by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to an increase in heart rate, known as reflex tachycardia.

This phenomenon occurs because the body strives to maintain adequate blood flow and pressure to vital organs. While nitrates effectively alleviate anginal symptoms, awareness of reflex tachycardia is important, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, as it can potentially exacerbate certain underlying issues. Understanding the mechanism behind this side effect is crucial in clinical practice, guiding healthcare providers in managing patients' treatment plans effectively.