Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

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What is a key physiological effect of Epinephrine?

Decreased heart rate
Increased myocardial oxygen demand
Decreased systemic resistance
Lowered blood pressure

The correct answer is: Increased myocardial oxygen demand

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, plays a significant role in the body’s response to stress, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response. One of the key physiological effects of epinephrine is that it increases myocardial oxygen demand. This occurs due to several factors: First, epinephrine stimulates the beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, which leads to an increase in heart rate (positive chronotropic effect) and an increase in the force of contraction (positive inotropic effect). Both of these actions result in a higher cardiac output, which inevitably raises the demand for oxygen by the myocardium. Additionally, epinephrine causes blood vessels supplying the heart (coronary arteries) to dilate while constricting others, effectively redirecting blood flow to vital organs and muscles during times of stress or emergency. This overall action necessitates more oxygen to meet the higher energy requirements of the heart muscle itself. Therefore, the increase in myocardial oxygen demand is a critical effect of epinephrine, making it essential in emergency situations, such as anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest, where the heart may need to work harder to maintain perfusion.