Question

What cardiovascular changes occur during anaphylactic shock?

Options

• The blood vessels constrict and the person develops severe headache

• The heart stops beating immediately

• The blood pressure increases significantly and the heart rate becomes very slow

• There is a massive drop in blood pressure, the heart rate becomes rapid, and the person may faint

Answer 1

During anaphylactic shock, there is a massive drop in blood pressure, the heart rate becomes rapid (tachycardia), and the person may faint. This occurs due to massive vasodilation from histamine and other mediators, leading to severe hypovolemic shock. The body attempts to compensate through tachycardia, but this is insufficient to maintain adequate tissue perfusion. Loss of consciousness results from cerebral hypoperfusion. This cardiovascular collapse is why anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency requiring immediate adrenaline administration to restore vascular tone.